By Vivem Soriano
Eagle News Service
The Magnolia Hotshots bid for the top spot in the standings and a twice-to-beat advantage remains alive after surviving a late furious rally by the Blackwater Elite with a 78-72 win at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Missing the services of star guard Paul Lee due to an ankle injury he sustained against TNT Katropa, Magnolia seemed to be cruising to an easy victory, racing to a big lead early and finishing the 1st quarter with a 23-13 lead.
Magnolia’s good fortune continued in the 2nd quarter, as they extended their lead a baker’s dozen, 42-29, at the end of the 1st half.
But Blackwater suddenly caught fire in the 2nd half, led by sophomore Mac Belo and former Magnolia guard Allein Maliksi.
They cut the Magnolia lead down to 7 at the end of the 3rd quarter, 61-54, and with just a minute left in the game, tied the score at 72-all.
Magnolia, however, tightened their defense in the endgame, forcing the Elite with a back court violation then finally putting away Blackwater with a 6-0 run.
Aldrech Ramos and Mark Barroca led Magnolia with 14 points each while Justin Melton and big man Ian Sangalang had 8 apiece.
Blackwater was led by forward Mac Belo with a game-high 25 points. Maliksi added 17 while veteran guard Mike Cortez had 8 points.
Magnolia will try to capture the top spot in the standings when they battle the San Miguel Beermen on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Blackwater will have a week off then face the Beermen as well next Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Magnolia is now 6-1 in the standings while Blackwater falls to 2-5.
Boxscore:
MAGNOLIA HOTSHOTS 78 – Ramos 14, Barroca 14, Melton 8, Sangalang 8, Pascual 7, Jalalon 6, Simon 6, Dela Rosa 6, Pingris 4, Herndon 3, Reavis 2, Gamalinda 0, Brondial 0.
BLACKWATER ELITE 72 – Belo 25, Maliksi 17, Cortez 8, Erram 6, Jose 4, Pinto 3, DiGregorio 2, Marcelo 2, Sena 2, Sumang 2, Palma 1, Cruz 0, Javier 0.
Quarterscores: 23-13, 42-29, 61-54, 78-72.