Magnolia blasts off in Q2 to rip TNT

Rome Dela Rosa paced Magnolia offensively anew. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG—Magnolia turned the tides in the second quarter en route to a 96-63 rout of TNT in their PBA on Tour battle on Friday night at the Ynares Sports Arena.

Down 15-18 after the first period, the Hotshots blew past the Tropang Giga in the second, outscoring them, 28-13, to open a 43-31 halftime lead.

Magnolia kept TNT at bay in the third period and even pulled away for good in the fourth when the Purefoods franchise zapped the PLDT-backed club, 31-11.

Rome Dela Rosa led Magnolia with 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting, six rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while Joseph Eriobu added 14 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal off the bench.

Mark Barroca, James Laput, Jerrick Ahanmisi, and David Murrell each added 11 points with Laput going 4-for-4 from the field plus 13 rebounds.

Glenn Khobuntin tallied 23 markers and five rebounds for TNT.

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