Romeo Travis put up an impressive all-around performance for the Hotshots. PBA Media Group |
By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--Magnolia survived a late flurry from Alaska to take an 83-73 win to formalize its entry to the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Sunday night.
The Hotshots recovered from a lethargic start by dropping 34 second quarter points to go up, 45-31, at halftime. The lead would balloon to as much as 20 by the third quarter.
However, the Aces threatened to steal the win and were within two, 73-75, with 2:17 to play in the fourth.
Alaska went scoreless from there as Paul Lee's off-the-glass floater sparked the sealing 8-0 run for Magnolia.
Romeo Travis led the Hotshots, who bolstered their hold at number one in the standings with their seventh win against a lone defeat, with 19 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block.
Jio Jalalon added 18 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and one steal.
Mike Harris put up 24 points, 25 boards, two assists, and two blocks for the Aces, who slipped to 5-2.
The scores:
Magnolia 83 - Travis 19, Jalalon 18, Lee 14, Barroca 12, Brondial 7, Sangalang 5, Reavis 4, Dela Rosa 4, Pascual 0, Herndon 0, Melton 0.
Alaska 73 - Harris 24, Banchero 13, Manuel 12, Enciso 6, Casio 6, Pascual 3, Baclao 3, Teng 2, Thoss 2, Exciminiano 2, Racal 0.
Quarters: 11-15, 45-31, 65-56, 83-73.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
Magnolia 83 - Travis 19, Jalalon 18, Lee 14, Barroca 12, Brondial 7, Sangalang 5, Reavis 4, Dela Rosa 4, Pascual 0, Herndon 0, Melton 0.
Alaska 73 - Harris 24, Banchero 13, Manuel 12, Enciso 6, Casio 6, Pascual 3, Baclao 3, Teng 2, Thoss 2, Exciminiano 2, Racal 0.
Quarters: 11-15, 45-31, 65-56, 83-73.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno