Hotshots cruise past undermanned Batang Pier

Magnolia surged to victory with a powerful finishing kick, defeating a determined NorthPort team that was missing key players, 105-94, and securing its first winning streak in Group A of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, September 4.

Zav Lucero, Glenn Robinson III, and Aris Dionisio combined their efforts to ignite a decisive 16-5 run that effectively dismantled the resilient Batang Pier, who put forth a valiant effort despite the absence of import Venky Jois and forward William Navarro.

In the absence of his counterpart, Robinson III showcased his talent with an impressive performance, scoring 25 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and contributing four steals and two blocks. Paul Lee led the Hotshots’ offensive charge, adding 20 points along with 11 assists and five rebounds.

Lucero also emerged as a significant contributor against his former team, delivering his best outing in a Magnolia uniform with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, in addition to blocking two shots.

Jerrick Ahanmisi and Calvin Abueva each added 10 points, helping Magnolia secure a spot in the upper tier of the Group A standings with a 3-2 record, concluding the first round of eliminations on a positive note.

However, Magnolia faced a tough challenge from the Batang Pier, who not only kept pace but at times even took the lead. The teams were locked in an 87-all tie with five minutes remaining in the game when the Hotshots launched a furious offensive spree, ignited by a three-pointer from Robinson III and a layup from Lucero.

NorthPort managed to respond with a basket from Sydney Onwubere, but Magnolia quickly answered with a three-pointer from Dionisio, followed by four consecutive points from Lee and a thunderous baseline dunk from Robinson, courtesy of an excellent assist from Lucero, extending their lead to 101-91.

A jumper from Lucero further stretched the advantage to its largest margin at 103-92 with just 1:10 left on the clock.

Cade Flores rose to the occasion, recording a conference-high 23 points along with 10 rebounds and three blocks, while Joshua Munzon contributed 13 points.

NorthPort’s main scorer, Arvin Tolentino, struggled against Magnolia’s defense, finishing with only 11 points, but he attempted to make amends by tallying 12 rebounds and six assists.

The Batang Pier concluded the first round in fourth place in Group A with a 2-3 record.

The scores:

Magnolia 105 – Robinson III 25, Lee 20, Lucero 16, Ahanmisi 10, Abueva 10, Sangalang 8, Barroca 8, Dionisio 5, Balanza 2, Dela Rosa 2, Laput 1, Mendoza 0, Eriobu 0.

NorthPort 94 – Flores 23, Munzon 13, Cuntapay 12, Tolentino 11, Yu 10, Onwubere 7, Jalalon 5, Bulanadi 4, Tratter 4, Nelle 3, Amores 2, Taha 0.

Quarterscores: 23-22, 46-46, 76-73, 105-94.