Paul Lee of Magnolia Hotshots. –PBA IMAGES
Magnolia extended its undefeated record to seven games behind another collective effort to beat Meralco, 121-101, in the PBA On Tour on Sunday at the Filoil Ecooil Center in San Juan City.
Paul Lee was down 28 points while five others scored in double digits as the Hotshots had little trouble setting the Bolts up to move four wins before sweeping the exhibition series.
But coach Chito Victolero said the perfect slate was the least of his worries.
“We want to form good habits and create a good culture within the team,” Victolero said.
The victory came as Victolero revealed the availability of Calvin Abueva in the Hotshots’ next game on Sunday against the San Miguel Beermen at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Abueva has yet to play in the On Tour due to a persistent leg issue.
Lee had 22 in the first half before finishing the game with seven threes for Magnolia.
Jio Jalalon had 18 points and six assists, James Laput had 14 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, Mark Barroca produced 12 points and six assists in 20 minutes while Jerrick Ahanmisi and Joseph Eriobu added 11 each.
Diego Dario scored 22 points in the loss that sent Meralco 4-3 despite the On Tour lasting without key names like Chris Newsome and Aaron Black.
The rarely used Franky Johnson got heavy minutes from coach Luigi Trillo and had 13 points.
Scores:
MAGNOLIA 121—Lee 28, Jalalon 18, Laput 14, Barroca 12, Ahanmisi 11, Eriobu 11, Tratter 8, Murrell 6, Mendoza 6, Dela Rosa 4, Reavis 3.
MERALCO 101—Dario 22, Quinto 14, Hodge 13, Johnson 13, Torres 12, Almazan 10, Maliksi 8, Pascual 7, Jose 2, Pasaol 0.
Quarters: 27-18, 59-45, 88-70, 121-101.
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