Magnolia stayed in the hunt for a playoff bonus in the PBA Philippine Cup and that is largely thanks to Paul Lee.

Lee earned Player of the Week honors for the period of September 15 to 19 after averaging 22.5 points, 5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds as Magnolia picked up crucial wins over NorthPort and San Miguel.

Magnolia ended the elimination round with an 8-3 record, which puts the team in a good position to nail the No. 2 seed that merits a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

Lee could not have played any better in a 100-90 victory over San Miguel on Sunday, September 19, as he delivered a conference-high 32 points to go with 5 assists and 4 rebounds.

With San Miguel breathing down their necks after the first three quarters, Lee erupted for 18 points in the fourth period along to open the floodgates for Magnolia en route to the convincing win.

His 18 points in the fourth period is the most scored in a quarter by a player this season, according to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon.

In a 90-89 win over NorthPort on Friday, September 17, Lee contributed to a balanced scoring attack, putting up 13 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds.

Lee edged TNT star rookie Mikey Williams in a close voting for the weekly award handed out by the men and women regularly covering the PBA beat.

Others who were considered for the award include Meralco’s Allein Maliksi, Raymond Almazan, and Bong Quinto, Magnolia’s Ian Sangalang, and NLEX’s JR Quiñahan. – Rappler.com