League-leading Magnolia whipped up a strong finish to torch Terrafirma, 105-83, and extend its unbeaten streak in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup on Friday, July 30 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
After the Dyip cut their massive deficit down to a single digit late in the third period, the Hotshots exploded with 34 points behind rookie Jerrick Ahanmisi in the final frame to seize their fourth win in as many outings.
Ahanmisi, the 23-year-old spitfire out of Adamson University, fired all his 15 points anchored on four triples in a blistering 23-7 run that gave Magnolia an insurmountable 94-68 lead with barely five minutes left in the game.
"Actually hinihintay talaga namin breakout game ni Jerrick for the last three games dahil maganda ang ensayo and attitude niya. Talagang binibigyan niya ng oras yung shooting niya," said Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero.
Ian Sangalang put up 18 points, Mark Barroca tallied 16 markers while Calvin Abueva pumped in 14 points and eight rebounds as the trio fueled the Hotshots scorching start for a 58-37 lead at halftime.
Jack Corpuz scored 12 points even as Jio Jalalon chipped in 10 markers and nine assists in a total team effort that bucked the liminuted output from main gunner Paul Lee who had a minor leg injury in the second quarter.
Besides tightening their grip on the solo lead, the Hotshots also made their best start since a 4-0 opening in the 2017 Governor's Cup.
"We want to respect Terrafirma and also (we want to have) the proper mindset," said Victolero.
"Binigyan ko ng emphasis 'yung mindset coming into this game because we don't want to relax. Good thing 'yung mga players talagang na-adopt nila at gusto nila yung ginagawa namin."
Roosevelt Adams had a game-high 25 points and 11 rebounds after leading the Dyip's futile comeback attempt late in the third period wherein they inched within 61-69.
Juami Tiongson had 19 points and Aldrech Ramos had 10 markers for Johnedel Cardel's tough-luck squad, which absorbed their third straight loss to start the import-less conference.