MANILA, Philippines – Magnolia couldn’t have snapped its 3-game skid any better after picking TNT apart, 111-89, in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, June 13.

Paul Lee waxed hot for 25 points on a 7-of-12 shooting while Justin Jackson messed with a near-triple-double of 18 points, 19 rebounds, 7 assists and two blocks as the Hotshots nabbed their first win in almost a month for a 4-4 record.

Holding a slim 79-73 lead after the first 3 quarters, Magnolia banked on back-to-back Rodney Brondial and Rome dela Rosa triples and 6 straight points from Jio Jalalon to mount a 22-6 run and never looked back.

The KaTropa tried to stage a comeback but the Hotshots, missing the services of their two best big men in Marc Pingris and Ian Sangalang due to injuries, did not cave in as their lead swelled to as much as 24 points, 111-87.

“Our battle cry is how to find ways to win. We’re undermanned and for the last 2 weeks ata (probably), we have different imports. We have a problem with chemistry with our locals and our import,” said Magnolia

“I told to my players to try to find ways to win games. I’m very proud and very happy that they responded to my challenge and I know it’s a do or die for us.”

Jalalon was his usual self with 13 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 4 steals while Brondial broke out of his shell and chalked up 16 points on an ultra-efficient 7-of-9 shooting with 8 rebounds. 

Terrence Romeo had 17 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds and two steals against 4 turnovers for the KaTropa, whose record fell to 6-2. 

RR Pogoy chipped in 16 points while import Joshua Smith added 12 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and two blocks in the losing effort.  

The Scores:

Magnolia (111): Lee 25, Jackson 18, Brondial 16, Jalalon 13, Barroca 9, Ramos 9, Melton 7, Dela Rosa 5, Simon 3, Herndon 2, Pascual 2, Reavis 2

TNT (89): Romeo 17, Pogoy 16, Smith 12, Castro 9, Reyes 9, Semerad 7, Williams 6, Rosario 5, Cruz 4, Taha 2, Trollano 2, Carey 0

Quarter scores: 18-25, 43-48, 79-73, 111-89

– Rappler.com