In-form Magnolia shows no mercy, blasts Terrafirma in Paul Lee’s return

Magnolia showed no mercy and blasted Terrafirma, 104-83, to give injured star Paul Lee a winning return in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, July 8.

The Hotshots rode a blistering first half and never looked back as Lee, Ian Sangalang and Jio Jalalon fired on all cylinders to extend their win streak to four for a 5-3 record in the standings, all while slamming the door on the Dyip’s playoff hopes after dropping to a 0-8 slate.

Lee announced his re-entry to the Magnolia lineup after missing the last five games with 17 points in just 17 minutes of play. Sangalang top scored the Hotshots with 20 points along with seven rebounds while Jalalon had an all around game of 17 points, seven assists and six rebounds.

JP Calvo was the lone bright spot for Terrafirma with 20 points although a huge chunk of his points came in the fourth quarter when the game was already done and settled.

Magnolia started the game like a house on fire as it quickly built a double-digit spread in the first quarter, 18-7, before eventually taking a 33-19 lead at the end of the opening frame. Sangalang, Lee and Jalalon showed no letup in the second quarter as the Hotshots continued to lord over the hapless Dyip and built a 64-33 lead at the half.

Magnolia’s advantage reached its peak at 38 points towards the end of the third frame, 83-45, before Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero emptied his bench in the final period.