Magnolia drops bombs on NorthPort

MANILA, Philippines — Paul Lee spearheaded a late-game long-distance bombing as Magnolia trounced NorthPort, 106-97, to wheel back on track in the PBA Philippine Cup last night at the Candon City Arena.

Lee knocked down a pair of clutch four-balls that Aris Dioniso complemented with two from the three-point line to highlight a 23-8 salvo that powered the Hotshots’ pullaway in the fourth quarter.

Back on the win column after seeing their 6-0 mark stained by a 105-119 loss to Rain or Shine, the Hotshots regained the solo lead at 7-1. At the same time, this road win allowed them to build momentum for upcoming tough matches against Barangay Ginebra, NLEX and TNT.

Lee fired 10 in the payoff canto and finished with 16 to back up Zav Lucero’s 20. Marc Barroca shot 15 with seven assists, Peter Alfaro chipped in 13 and Aris Dionisio and Jerom Lastimosa contributed 10 apiece in Magnolia’s bounce back win.

William Navarro submitted a 27-13 double-double but the Batang Pier (1-6) failed to stop the bleeding and fell to their sixth straight defeat.