The Magnolia Hotshots cruised to their fourth win in a row after burying the Terrafirma Dyip, 105-83, in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup, on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The win placed the Hotshots’ win-loss record at 4-0, giving the team a solid hold of the top spot in the standings. What’s even more impressive is the fact that they nabbed their fourth victory without star wingman Paul Lee who left the game in the second quarter because of an injured hamstring.
But even with Lee coming out of the game early, the Hotshots kept on rolling as they led by 21, 58-37, at halftime. Terrafirma rallied in the third canto and brought the deficit down to just eight, 61-69, after a basket by Rashawn McCarthy with 2:18 left in that stretch.
However, Magnolia responded with nine straight points to raise their lead to 17 in the fourth and eventually pick up the win.
Ian Sangalang paced the Hotshots with 18 points while Mark Barroca added 16 markers, five rebounds and six dimes. Rookie Jerick Ahanmisi had his best game as a pro with 15 points while Calvin Abueva chipped in 14 markers and eight boards.
The loss spoiled the 25-point, 11-rebound performance of Roosevelt Adams as Terrafirma fell to 0-3. (JNP)