Magnolia and NLEX extend their dominant run in the Philippine Cup
Magnolia and NLEX continued their dominance in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup after defeating their respective opponents on Wednesday night, May 14, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Hotshots maintained their grip on the top of the standings with a spotless 6-0 record after a commanding 117-92 win over the defending champions Meralco Bolts in the main game of the Wednesday double-header.
Paul Lee led the charge for Magnolia, pouring in 27 points built on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting from the four-point territory and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line.
Ian Sangalang followed with 16 markers and nine boards, while Zavier Lucero and James Laput contributed 11 points and seven rebounds each. Rome Dela Rosa also chipped in 11 markers. Mark Barroca, Jerom Lastimosa, and Peter Alfaro III added nine markers apiece.
The Bolts kept it close until Lee’s barrage of 4’s broke the game wide open in the closing minutes.
Tensions flared late in the contest when Cliff Hodge’s hard tackle on Lucero halted the game, prompting a brief commotion that required Commissioner Willie Marcial to step in and restore order.
Despite the heated moment, cooler heads prevailed. After the final buzzer, both teams shook hands, exchanged hugs, and shared smiles.
