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[av_heading heading=’Magnolia mauls Alaska Aces in PH Cup ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – Magnolia Hotshots leaned on the hot hands of Paul Lee to pull off a 108-95 victory over Alaska Aces in the PBA Philippine Cup at the San Juan Arena.
Lee – still nursing an MCL injury – came off the bench on Wednesday night to post 30 points, including six triples, to lead the scoring for Hotshots, which tied with San Miguel Beermen and NLEX Road Warriors on top with a 1-0 win-loss record.
Riego Gamalinda chipped in 15 markers while Ian Sangalang and Rome Dela Rosa had 13 and 10 points, respectively, for Hotshots, which played in the absence of injured veterans Jio Jalalon, Rafael Reavis and Marc Pingris.
Down by as much as 10 points early in the game on early hits by Jvee Casio, Hotshots went on a late surge behind Peter June Simon, Kyle Pascual and Lee to close in 21-26.
Hotshots continued its run in the second quarter on baskets by Lee to snatch the lead 36-35 on a Dela Rosa hit. After a seesaw of leads, Hotshots gained control of the match 56-44 on conversions by Lee and Mark Barroca.
In the second half Hotshots pulled further away with conversions from Lee to build its largest lead 87-71 on a triple by Simon. Aces tried to get close 92-100 but hits by Lee, Robbie Herndon and Sangalang sealed the win for Hotshots.
“Thanks to Paul Lee,” said Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero. “Tatlong araw pa lang nagpa-practice iyan. Iba talaga iyong puso ng bata. He wants to play and help the team.”
“I’m also thankful to the rest of my players for stepping up,” Victolero added.
Calvin Abueva and Vic Manuel finished with 20 points apiece, while rookie Jeron Teng debuted with 16 points, two rebounds, two assists, and a block for Aces, which dropped to a 0-1 card along with Kia Picanto and Phoenix Fuel Masters./PN
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