THE Magnolia Hotshots dealt Barangay Ginebra its first loss of the season as they defeated the Kings, 102-92, in the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday, October 25, at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena and Cultural Center in Pampanga.
Star two-guard Paul Lee found his stride down the stretch to help Magnolia pull away and grab the win to arrest a three-game slump. Magnolia now totes a 2-4 (win-loss) card while Ginebra suffered its first loss in five games.
Ginebra was within three, 89-92, when Lee sparked a 10-0 run with two-free throws. After veteran center Rafi Reavis made two more from the line, Lee drained a triple to give Magnolia a 99-89 cushion with just 58 seconds left in the game.
Energetic forward Jackson Corpuz led Magnolia in scoring with 20 points while Lee and Mark Barroca fired in 15 points apiece, the latter adding five assists and three steals.
Ian Sangalang provided a lift from the bench with 14 points while Rome dela Rosa contributed 13. Chris Banchero rounded out Magnolia’s balanced attack with his 10 markers.
Stanley Pringle was Ginebra’s high-point man with 24 points.