In special Christmas 'Clasico', Magnolia mauls Ginebra

Mike Harris led Magnolia's Christmas 'Clasico' domination. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--With 4,843 people witnessing the culmination of the colorful careers of two of its legends, Magnolia turned the latest edition of the "Manila Clasico" into a Christmas clobbering.

On the night when PJ Simon and Marc Pingris' jerseys were officially retired, the Hotshots scored their most lopsided win against Barangay Ginebra in recent history, a 117-94 Saturday beatdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

What was expected to be a tight battle between two undefeated teams entering the Christmas Clasico turned out to be a one-sided affair favoring the Purefoods franchise, opening a lead as high as 31 points late in the third quarter.

Ginebra somehow found its rhythm going early in the fourth, trimming the lead down to just 17 points, 100-83, with 6:17 left.

But five straight points from Paul Lee sparked the game-deciding 13-3 run that sealed the Magnolia rout.

Mike Harris fired 29 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and one block for the Hotshots, who are now on top of the team standings at 3-0.

Paul Lee added 20 points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal before going down to an apparent groin injury with 5:08 left in the game.

Justin Brownlee fired 21 markers, 12 boards, three dimes, and one block for the Gin Kings, who fell to fourth place at 3-1.

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