Playing without Marc Pingris, Rafi Reavis and Jio Jalalon is not a problem with the rebranded Magnolia Hotshots, as Paul Lee pick-up the slack and scored a game high of 30 points in just 24 minutes of action. Lee got some help from Bam Gamalinda, Rome dela Rosa and Ian Sangalang, who scored 15, 13 and 10, respectively.
Magnolia coach Chito Victolero later revealed that Paul Lee only got three days of practice, “Three days pa lang nag-eensayo yan. Iba talaga ang puso niya,”
🎥 Paul Lee splits the double team and locates Simon for three! #WeArePBA pic.twitter.com/QFHL9l5Sl5
— PBA (@pbaconnect) December 20, 2017
Alaska even after a strong start scoring 20-10 in the early period but failed keep up with Magnolia as they capture the lead 57-47 in the next period. The game was physical which is an advantage for the Aces, double fouls was slapped to Abueva – Dela Rosa, and Lee – Vic Manuel.
Magnolia’s next assignment will be the Barangay Ginebra for a Christmas showdown at the Philipine Arena, while Alaska will face TNT Katropa on the 29th of December at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Scores:
Magnolia Hotshots 108 — Lee 30, Gamalinda 15, Sangalang 13, Dela Rosa 10, Simon 9, Herndon 9, K. Pascual 9, Barroca 6, Melton 3, Ramos 2, Brondial 2.
Alaska Aces 95 — Abueva 20, Manuel 20, Teng 16, Casio 10, R. Pascual 7, Enciso 5, Exciminiano 5, Banchero 4, Thoss 3, J. Pascual 2, Cruz 2, Magat 1
Per quarters: 21-26, 57-47, 87-74, 108-95