Magnolia bolsters bid for Top 6 finish with rout of Terrafirma

Ian Sangalang led the way for the Hotshots in Paul Lee's return. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Magnolia keeps its hopes of getting a better quarterfinal seeding alive in the PBA Philippine Cup after romping Terrafima, 104-83, on Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Unlike the Dyip's last game against Barangay Ginebra where they even took the lead in the second and third quarters, the Hotshots never gave them an inch from start to finish, even opening a 35-point lead before settling for the 21-point winning margin.

Ian Sangalang led Magnolia, now in fifth place at 5-3, with 20 points, seven rebounds, one block, and two steals.

Paul Lee made his return from injury bay and added 17 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals off the bench even as Jio Jalalon also put up 17 points with six rebounds, seven assists, and two steals.

JP Calvo put up 20 points, two rebounds, and three assists off the bench for Terrafirma, which is now on the brink of elimination with a 0-8 record.

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