MANILA, Philippines – Magnolia bounced back to even the series at 1 a piece against NLEX Road Warriors (99-84) in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on March 12, 2018.
Magnolia played without Marc Pingris who suffered an ACL injury and would like to miss this series as ACL injuries usually take around seven or eight months.
After only held by 8points on game 1, Paul Lee’s poured 27 points in 9 of 19 from the field to go along with his 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
Magnolia who had a slow start off in the opening quarter the other night, they just doubled their output and lead by (27-20). Magnolia continues to hold a double digit lead at the half with (48-39).
Photo credit: Paul Lee led Magnolia with 27pts to even series: Photo by PBA Images
Magnolia extended their lead by 64-48 before NLEX find a way and force 14-2 run behind Mallari and Miranda’s combined with 10pts in the run plus a lay-up by Ravena and 2 free-throws to trim the lead by 66-62 late in the third frame.
Magnolia’s had a comfortable position half-way mark in the final quarter leading by (87-70).
Observation
More production of bench will lose, bench production of NLEX tonight is 58points against 31points of Magnolia. Magnolia starters outscored NLEX by (68-26), see details on game 1.
Ian Sangalang added 18points and 8 rebounds, while Barocca and Ramos finished with 11points and 10points off the bench respectively.
Alex Mallari and JR. Quiñahan led NLEX with 13points a piece while Cyrus Baguio only held by 4 points after erupting 17points in the opening game.
Game Summary
Total Lead Changes: 4
Total Deadlock:3
Biggest Lead: 2pts (NLEX)
Biggest Lead: 18pts (Magnolia)
Score
MAGNOLIA (99) — Lee 27, Sangalang 18, Barroca 11, Dela Rosa 10, Ramos 10, Jalalon 9, Simon 8, Reavis 4, Brondial 2, Gamalinda 0, Mendoza 0.
NLEX (84) — Mallari 13, Quiñahan 13, Al-Hussaini 10, Ravena 9, Miranda 8, Alas 6, Fonacier 6, Tiongson 6, Soyud 5, Baguio 4, Taulava 4, Ighalo 0, Monfort 0.
Quarter Scoring
First Quarter: Magnolia (27-20)
Second Quarter: (21-19)
Third Quarter: (22-23)
Fourth Quarter: (29-22) NLEX
Total: 99-84
Game 3 of the series will be on Wednesday March 14, 2018 at the Araneta Coliseum.
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