PBA: Magnolia books quarters, tops skidding NorthPort

Magnolia’s Zavier Lucero tries to attain in opposition to NorthPort within the PBA Philippine Cup in Candon, Ilocos Sur.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Magnolia was the primary group to safe a quarterfinals berth by way of defeating slumping NorthPort, 106-97, and bounced again after soaking up its first defeat within the PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

Paul Lee knocked down two four-point pictures whilst Aris Dionisio hooked up on a couple of triples and the Hotshots pulled clear of the Batang Pier after a seesaw contest to regain sole ownership of most sensible spot with a 7-1 document.

READ: PBA: Rain or Shine halts Magnolia’s unbeaten run

The Hotshots were given again on target after being passed an 18-point loss by way of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters ultimate weekend in Montalban, Rizal.

Zavier Lucero completed with 20 issues, 8 rebounds, two assists, 3 steals and two blocks to proceed his all-around appearing that has been some of the causes for Magnolia’s good fortune this convention.

Mark Barroca submit 15 issues, 4 rebounds, seven assists and 3 assists, Lee got here off the bench for 16 issues, 5 rebounds and 6 assists and Dionisio added 10.

William Navarro produced 27 issues, 13 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals however NorthPort misplaced for the 6th consecutive time since beginning the all-Filipino with a win to fall in a percentage of 10th with Blackwater.

READ: Magnolia win over Meralco overshadowed by way of overdue scuffle

Joshua Munzon struggled to a 5-of-21 capturing regardless of 14 issues for the Batang Pier, who’re nonetheless with out Arvin Tolentino amid his hip flexor damage and rumors of a possible transfer out of the country after the season.

NorthPort, with additionally lend a hand from ex-Magnolia guard Jio Jalalon, did take the lead within the 3rd sooner than Magnolia got here again and in the end retake keep an eye on of the fit.

The Batang Pier trailed 89-88 after a three-point play conversion from Navarro, however Calvin Abueva scored sooner than Lee hit a 4 and two to cause a Hotshots breakaway. Back-to-back threes from Dionisio later stretched the distance to 106-93, just about 3 mins to head.

Frustration boiled overdue when NorthPort’s Sidney Onwubere gave a troublesome foul on Lucero, prompting Dionisio to confront Onwubere with 29.5 seconds left.