Magnolia Pambansang Manok drew a big performance from recent pickup Adrian Wong to frustrate Phoenix Super LPG, 103-83, Saturday, Feb. 19 and remain unbeaten in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Wong, who was signed after being released by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, scored a career-high 18 points on six triples in a starting role as the Hotshots tightened their hold on top spot with a 6-0 record.
The former Ateneo guard’s performance came after making a solid showing in his Magnolia debut with eight points in the 112-109 win over NLEX last Wednesday.
Coach Chito Victolero is glad to have Wong deliver with the Hotshots missing the services of their star Calvin Abueva and Rome dela Rosa due to injuries.
“I’m very happy for him because it’s his breakout game,” said Victolero. “Good thing, nakuha namin siya because we have a lot of injuries. Wala si Calvin, wala si Rome and he filled that spot.”
Import Mike Harris posted 20 points and 13 rebounds while Paul Lee and Mark Barroca added 14 and 13 for Magnolia, which virtually assured itself of a place in the quarterfinals.
Phoenix fell to fifth spot with a 4-3 record despite 18 points from Matthew Wright and 15 from new addition Billy Ray Robles.
The Hotshots led 39-34 at the half before outscoring the Fuel Masters, 36-20, in the third with Wong knocking down nine in the period.
Wong’s back-to-back triples early in the third put Magnolia up double-digits at 52-39 and never looked back.
A fadeaway jumper by Harris gave the Hotshots their biggest gap at 25 points, 82-57, over 10 minutes remaining in the fourth.
The scores:
MAGNOLIA 103 — Harris 20, Wong 18, Lee 14, Barroca 13, Escoto 9, Corpuz 8, Reavis 6, Sangalang 6, Ahanmisi 5, Jalalon 4, Brill 0, Dionisio 0.
PHOENIX 83 — Wright 18, Robles 15, Manganti 9, Sutton 9, Garcia 8, Demusis 8, Perkins 6, Melecio 5, Jazul 3, Chua 2, Pascual 0, Camacho 0, Rios 0.
Quarters: 21-20, 39-34, 75-54, 103-83.