The Magnolia Hotshots just logged their third consecutive victories after they defeated the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters, 99-96.
The banged-up Paul Lee paced his Hotshots squad after he was seen hitting the floors of the Cuneta Astrodome several times.
The man who is also known as the “Ang Angas ng Tondo” registered 27 points and dished out seven assists in the game.
His back-to-back three-pointers in the first half ignited Magnolia offense. Lee was able to convert three three-pointers.
As promised by both coaches of the opposing squads, the game was indeed a dog-fight but not until the fourth quarter came where Magnolia totally dominated the game.
In that last period, the Hotshots led as much as 11 points and they protected it well until the final buzzer has sounded.
The Fuel Masters had a comeback attempt at the later part of the fourth quarter where they trimmed the deficit to only three points but the time is no longer on their side as they picked up another loss.
Rich Howell led the Fuel Masters with his 36 points and 20 rebounds performance while Matthew Wright added 19 points but was heavily guarded most of the time.
Part of the stats of Wright was his six turnovers.
Marc Pingris made his appearance after he sat out for more than a year due to his ACL injury.
Pingris was 0-of-1 from the field and grabbed three rebounds in his 44th PBA season debut.
Coach Chito Victolero limited the minutes of Pingris most probably just to give him the feel of the real PBA action. For sure that soon his playing time will increase.
Magnolia now improved to 3-2 record while Phoenix slid from the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup standings with its 2-4 slate.
Ang Angas Ng Tondo From Paul Lee Territory
Magnolia vs Phoenix Box Score
Quarters: 23-24 | 47-45 | 71-67 | 99-96
Hotshots (99) – Lee 27, Farr 26, Barroca 11, Jalalon 10, Dela Rosa 8, Sangalang 8, Brondial 7, Melton 2
Fuel Masters (96) – Howell 36, Wright 19, Jazul 15, Chua 8, Marcelo 7, Mallari 6, Wilson 3, Dennison 2