PBA: Magnolia downs Blackwater for third straight win

The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots eked out an 81-77 win against the Blackwater Bossing on Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Magnolia pulled away in the third period as it outscored Blackwater, 22-11, and ended the said quarter with a 56-45 lead after the first half concluded with a tie at 34. The Hotshots led by as much as 17 points, 67-50, at the 7:02 mark of the fourth quarter before the Bossing mounted a late rally.

An RK Ilagan trey cut the Bossing’s deficit to within five, 76-71, with 1:36 left but free throws from Mark Barroca and Calvin Abueva gave Magnolia a 79-71 lead with 13 ticks remaining. James Kwekuteye drilled a triple but Paul Lee’s freebies sealed the deal for the Hotshots.

Barroca had 19 points to lead the Hotshots to its third straight win, while Lee, Abueva, and Ian Sangalang chipped in 10 points apiece as Magnolia improved to 4-2.

Kwekuteye had 23 points, while Troy Rosario had 20 points as Blackwater absorbed its fifth straight loss.

Scores:

Magnolia 81 – Barroca 19, Sangalang 10, Abueva 10, Lee 10, Laput 9, Dionisio 7, Jalalon 7, Eriobu 4, Tratter 2, Mendoza 0, Balanza 0, Ahanmisi 0.

Blackwater 77 – Kwekuteye 23, Rosario 20, Nambatac 9, Ilagan 7, David 7, Guinto 6, Hill 2, Jopia 2, Chua 1, Escoto 0, Suerte 0, Tungcab 0, Casio 0.

Quarters: 17-20, 34-34, 56-45, 81-77.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News