The Magnolia Hotshots preserved an immaculate record four games into the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
Magnolia wasted no time in disposing of Phoenix, 118-99, to stay spotless in four outings in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup in Zamboanga City on Saturday, April 26.
The Hotshots seized control early to set the tone for the rout that allowed them to remain atop the heap.
Ian Sangalang, Zavier Lucero and Paul Lee set the tone for Magnolia, combining for 39 points in the first 24 minutes for a 67-53 lead at halftime.
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The Hotshots also sizzled from the three-point area as they knocked down 13 of their 28 attempts from there.
Sangalang finished with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal for the Hotshots.
Hometown hero Mark Barroca wound up with 18 points, six rebounds and five assists a day after his 39th birthday.
Lucero had 17 points and 11 boards, while Paul Lee shot three triples on his way to 17 markers.
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The Hotshots put the score beyond reach as they built a 23-point buffer, 86-63, with 4:23 left in the third period.
The Fuel Masters kept fighting, but Magnolia would just not allow them to gain momentum every time they tried to get a run going.
Phoenix, coming off a surprise win over Meralco, found itself stumbling back to the loser's column with its 1-3 tally.
Kai Ballungay paced the Fuel Masters with 25 points and 15 rebounds, while Ryan Garcia, who also hails from Zamboanga, had 17 points, three rebounds, five assists and a block.
Jason Perkins added 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Magnolia vs Phoenix Scores:
MAGNOLIA 118 – Sangalang 20, Barroca 18, Lucero 17, Lee 17, Laput 10, Dela Rosa 8, Ahanmisi 7, Abueva 6, Alfaro 6, Escoto 5, Lastimosa 4, Dionisio 0.
PHOENIX 99 – Ballungay 25, Garcia 22, Perkins 17, Tio 8, Soyud 6, Tuffin 5, Rivero 4, Camacho 4, Jazul 4, Manganti 4, Daves 0, Ular 0, Verano 0, Alejandro 0.
Quarterscores: 35-27, 67-53, 94-74, 118-99.