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A basketball player from Magnolia crushes Phoenix to advance in PBA Governors' Cup semis.

Magnolia crushes Phoenix to advance to PBA Governors’ Cup semis


The Magnolia Hotshots absolutely humiliated the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, routing them 127-88, in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Paul Lee got the scoring parade going early, scoring 20 of his 25 points in the first half, as Magnolia could not do wrong. They eventually pushed their lead to a high of 45 points before cruising to the victory to book themselves a place in the semifinal round where they will take on the Meralco Bolts.

Calvin “The Beast” Abueva returned to action after missing the last seven games because of a calf injury. He showed little signs of rust, flirting with a double-double of 12 points and nine boards.

Phoenix was just discombobulated all game long. Star wingman Matthew Wright personified the Fuel Masters’ frustrating night by fouling out of the game with still 4:56 left in the third quarter.

“We executed well on both ends of the floor. We started on our defense and we talked for the last three days on how we can control or minimize the contributions of Wright, their import, and [Jason] Perkins,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.

Scoring was spread out amongst the Hotshots with eight different players reaching double-figures led by veteran point guard Mark Barroca who had 18 points and seven assists. Jio Jalalon also had 18 points and eight dimes. Import Mike Harris had a quiet 15 points.

Du’Vaughn Maxwell had 32 points while Jason Perkins pitched in 11 points and nine rebounds for Phoenix.

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