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PAUL Lee started strong and personally thwarted a Rain or Shine rally in the fourth quarter, allowing Magnolia to escape with a 70-62 on Saturday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center of Angels
Lee scored 19 points in the first half alone to put Magnolia in control behind a 20-5 attack in the second period. Magnolia’s prolific guard was also present late in the game to thwart Rain or Shine’s latest comeback.
The former Rookie of the Year finished with 31 points against his former team as the Hotshots earned their fourth win in a row to improve to 5-4 (win-loss), en route to a place in the top four and a two-time lead to beat. in the playoffs.
“We talked about polishing every game and we talked about the playoff mentality,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero. “After nung nagkaroon ng stoppage sa liga, we talked about it. We are in a life and death situation. We have to work every game.”
The Elastopainters fell for their third straight loss and a 4-4 card.
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Lee’s effort was almost wasted after Rain or Shine rallied from the depths of a 20-point deficit to close out the home stretch.
But Lee had the answers.
With Rain or Shine breathing down Magnolia’s neck, 64-61, Lee found Jio Jalalon wide open in the left corner for a basket before converting back-to-back jump shots that proved to be the last nail in the men’s coffin. Elastopainters.
Lee led an 11-0 run with eight straight points to start Magnolia’s escape from a 19-19 stalemate. Lee finished the second quarter with a 3-pointer for a 39-21 lead and Magnolia converted the first two points of the third for the biggest lead of the match, 41-21.
Kris Rosales led Rain or Shine with 14 points, including 12 in the third quarter when Rain or Shine were within 10 points entering the fourth, 56-46.
Jewel Ponferada added 13 points, her two free throws reduced Magnolia’s lead to one, 62-61, before Lee’s heroics.
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Ian Sangalang added 14 points while Rafi Reavis grabbed 11 rebounds for the Hotshots.
Scores:
Magnolia 70 – Lee 31, Sangalang 14, Barroca 8, Jalalon 7, Reavis 4, Dela Rosa 4, Banchero 2, Corpuz 0, Melton 0, Calisaan 0, Dionisio 0.
Rain or sun 62 – Rosales 14, Ponferada 13, Nambatac 11, Wong 5, Belga 5, Norwood 4, Onwubere 3, Mocon 3, Yap 2, Torres 2, Tolentino 0, Borboran 0, Arana 0.
Quarters: 19-16; 39-21; 56-46; 70-62.
