MANILA, Philippines – Import Mike Harris showed the way as Magnolia stayed unbeaten early in the PBA Governors’ Cup with a 109-98 win over Rain or Shine at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, December 19.

Harris delivered a game-high 26 points to go with 6 rebounds and 2 blocks for the Hotshots, who hiked their record to 2-0 to tie Barangay Ginebra for second place in the standings.

Calvin Abueva backstopped Harris with 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Jio Jalalon proved to be a spark plug off the bench after finishing with 14 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds in the win.

According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon, Magnolia set a record for least turnovers in franchise history with only 5 as it built an 86-73 lead going into the final quarter.

The Hotshots then put the clamps on the Elasto Painters, turning the fourth quarter into a block party with 6 swats in the period to keep Rain or Shine from making any real comeback threats.

A Javee Mocon layup cut the Elasto Painters’ deficit to single digits with 42 ticks remaining, 98-107, but Mark Barroca sealed the victory for Magnolia with a floater in the next possession.

Ian Sangalang delivered 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks, while Aris Dionisio provided quality minutes off the bench with 5 points, 4 blocks, and 3 rebounds.

Import Henry Walker netted a team-high-tying 23 points to go with 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the Elasto Painters, who failed to get a win streak going as they lost for the second time in the last three games and dropped to 2-2.

Rey Nambatac also posted 23 points in the losing effort.

The Scores

Magnolia 109 – Harris 26, Abueva 18, Jalalon 14, Sangalang 11, Dela Rosa 9, Ahanmisi 8, Corpuz 8, Barroca 6, Dionisio 5, Lee 4, Brill 0.

Rain or Shine 98 – Walker 23, Nambatac 23, Mocon 20, Belga 14, Torres 4, Borboran 4, Norwood 3, Jackson 3, Caracut 2, Ponferada 2, Asistio 0, Wong 0, Santillan 0.

Quarters: 34-31, 55-48, 86-73, 109-98

– Rappler.com