Magnolia turns back San Miguel Beer

MANILA, Philippines — Magnolia pulled the rug from under San Miguel Beer, upending the dynastic Beermen, 109-108, in the nightcap of PBA skirmishes Sunday at the Big Dome.

Hotshots' floor general Paul Lee drilled a leaner  from the right side of the court with 34 ticks left in the game to put his squad on top and cap a brilliant scoring display that ended as the best within the team. 

San Miguel Beer's star rookie Christian Standhardinger had a chance to win the game as the clock expired, but the point-blank shot, which he usually makes, rattled off.

Alex Cabagnot had the final look but was negated by Magnolia forward Ian Sangalang. 

"'Yung first half, its (the Beermen's) game—an offensive game," shared Magnolia mentor Chito Victolero. "I talked to my players na if we want to win this game, we have to turn to our defense." 

Magnolia spoiled the San Miguel debut of Kevin Murphy, who had 37 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. The foreign reinforcement replaced AZ Reid following the latter's lackluster performance in the third conference. 

Hotshots improved to 4-1, while the Beermen slipped to 2-3.

Magnolia versus Columbian, Oct. 3.

San Miguel Beer versus Alaska, Oct. 6.

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The Scores

Magnolia 109 - Lee 28, Travis 18, Sangalang 16, Melton 12, dela Rosa 10, Barroca 8, Jalalon 5, Ramos 3, Simon 3, Reavis 2, Gamalinda 2, Brondial 2.

San Miguel 108 - Murphy 37, Standhardinger 27, Lassiter 14, Santos 8, Ross 6, Nabong 6, Cabagnot 4, Heruela 3, Pessumal 3, de Ocampo 0. 

Quarters: 29-36, 57-61, 84-88, 109-108.