MANILA, Philippines — Magnolia’s choking defense proved effective in the second half as it steamrolled past Terrafirmac 85-70 for its first back-to-back wins in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Hotshots held the Dyip to just 28 points in the second half in a massive defensive effort to turn a tight contest into a win.
For their part, the Hotshots erupted for 45 markers in the last two periods.
Magnolia improved to 2-3 overall, while handing Terrafirma back-to-back defeats since opening the conference with three straight wins.
Import Clint Chapman led Magnolia with 28 points and 11 rebounds, Zavier Lucero scored all 13 of his points in the second half to go along with eight boards.
Rome Dela Rosa added 11 for the Hotshots, who turned the Dyip’s 15 turnovers into 23 points.
Jerrick Ahanmisi, fresh from a stint with Gilas in the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup in Singapore, led Terrafirma with 21 points.
Import Ali Mubashar, who averaged 33 points during the first three games, had a quiet 21 points, but pulled down 17 rebounds.