Rousing debut from Chapman powers Magnolia to breakthrough win
At A Glance
- Clint Chapman put together a sizzling debut and powered Magnolia to its breakthrough 121-109 win at the expense of Macau in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, March 29.
Clint Chapman explodes for Magnolia. (PBA Images)
Clint Chapman put together a sizzling debut and powered Magnolia to its breakthrough 121-109 win at the expense of Macau in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, March 29.
The 6-foot-10 center displayed his offensive arsenal and exploded for a double-double performance of 39 points and 15 rebounds as the Hotshots nearly squandered a double-digit lead but recovered just in time to pick up their first win after four games.
Chapman even sparked a personal 10-3 run in the third frame as Magnolia built a 19-point cushion, only to withstand a furious fourth-quarter rally from Macau thta cae close to tying the game at 94-all.
Magnolia, however, regained its footing behind timely hits from Chapman, Zav Lucero and Jerom Lastimosa to avoid what could have been the franchise's first 0-4 start since 1998, according to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III.
Lucero was all over the floor for Magnolia with 23 points, nine rebounds, three assists, four steals and five blocks. Lastimosa, on the other hand, chipped in 20 points, six assists and four rebounds.
Chong Pong Lao fired 24 points — all coming from the three-point territory to try fuel the fourth quarter rally from the Knights.
Tony Mitchell had 22 points and 14 rebounds while Damian Chongqui and Phoenix Shackelford had 20 and 19, respectively.
The Black Knights, even with the new head coach Marcus Eliott, remained winless after four games.