MANILA – Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots leaned on the hot shooting of Paul Lee to defeat Meralco Bolts, 117-92, in the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
The former University of the East Red Warriors guard finished with a conference-high of 27 points, including four four-point shots, as the Hotshots notched their sixth win in as many games.
Lee’s four long-range shots also tied the single-game four-point shot record made by his Hotshots’ teammate Jerrick Ahanmisi in their 124-103 victory over the Terrafirma Dyip in September 1, 2024.
“I think we just followed the system, and credit to my teammates hinahanap nila ako nung nakaisa na ako (na four-point shot),” Lee said after the game. “Open shot naman, so kailangan ko i-shoot, and luckily pumasok naman.”
Ian Sangalang also made his presence felt inside with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Zavier Lucero, Rome dela Rosa, and James Laput tallied 11 markers apiece for the Hotshots.
Chris Banchero paced the defending champions Bolts with 20 points, Chris Newsome added 14 markers, Raymond Almazan and Kier John Quinto had 13 each and Clifford Hodge and Aaron Black tallied 10 apiece as they fell to a 3-5 win-loss slate.
Meanwhile, NLEX Road Warriors continued their hot start as they mauled the skidding Terrafirma Dyip, 117-87.
Rookie Brandon Ramirez led the way with 21 points, including two three-pointers, to go with four rebounds, one assist, and a steal as the Road Warriors notched their fifth straight win for a 5-1 win-loss slate.
JB Bahio chipped in a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds, Robbie Herndon tallied 15 markers off the bench, while Jayvee Mocon contributed 13 points and 12 rebounds for NLEX.
“Everybody played well, everybody was in the right mindset,” said NLEX head coach Joseph Uichico after the game. “But, during the course of the game, there were complacent lapses which resulted to some mistakes like unnecessary fouls.”/PN
