Magnolia may be playing its fourth game in 10 days, but the Pambansang Manok Hotshots showed a lot of energy in blowing out Columbian, 113-95, to grab a share of the lead in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Import Romeo Travis teamed up with veteran guard Mark Barroca in presiding over Hotshots' hot start, combining for 25 first-half points as they took a 60-46 halftime lead. The wards of coach Chito Victolero remained relentless in the second half, extending their lead to 77-49 on the way to sealing their third straight win. Magnolia is now tied with Barangay Ginebra for the lead in the standings at 5-1.
"This is a very important game for us. I told my players, whatever mindset we've had against San Miguel and against Rain or Shine, we also need to show it against Columbian because we can't afford to relax," Victolero told reporters after the game.
The 33-year-old Travis flirted with a triple-double after finishing with 32 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists.
Barroca came off the bench to score 16 points, while adding four assists and three steals.
Paul Lee chipped in 13 and five boards, while Ian Sangalang added 11.
While the Hotshots are closing in for one of the top 4 spots in the playoffs, Victolero reminded his players to maintain their focus heading to their last five games.
"We need to have that best effort regardless of who we face. But I'm also very happy with the effort of my players because from start to finish, they were able to execute the game plan," he added.
Magnolia heads to a weeklong respite, before returning to action on October 10 against Blackwater.
The Dyip's playoff hopes continued to diminish as they remain winless in seven starts in the import-spiced conference.
Jackson Corpuz led Columbian with 20 points, while import Akeem Wright added 19 and eight rebounds.
THE SCORES
Magnolia 113 - Travis 32, Barroca 16, Lee 13, Sangalang 11, Herndon 8, Dela Rosa 7, Jalalon 6, Reavis 5, Mendoza 3, Melton 3, Simon 3, Gamalinda 2, Ramos 2, Brondial 2, Pascual 0, Abundo 0.
Columbian 95 - Corpuz 20, Wright 19, Reyes 15, King 12, McCarthy 12, Sara 7, Khobuntin 6, Escoto 2, Gabriel 2, Celda 0, Ababou 0, Tubid 0, Cabrera 0.
Quarters: 31-20, 60-46, 92-70, 113-95.
EXTRA DRIBBLES
-- Magnolia shot 51.1 percent from the floor against a Columbian side that only showed token defense.
- The Hotshots dominated the boards, 53-43, while displaying excellent team play with their 31-18 advantage in the assist department
NEXT GAMES
Magnolia Hotshots vs. Blackwater on October 3 at the Cuneta Astrodome
Columbian vs. NorthPort on October 6 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo