By Adrian Stewart Co

Paul Lee came up with clutch baskets down the stretch as Magnolia Hotshots cruised to an 89-79 victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday, July 25, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

After seeing its once 16-point lead trimmed to 77-79 with over two minutes, Lee converted two free throws and a layup followed by an inside hit by Ian Sangalang for an 85-79 lead.

The Kings cannot cut into the deficit as Japeth Aguilar fumbled on two free throws before the Hotshots secured the victory with two free throws each from Lee and Andy Mark Barroca.

Lee finished the match with 22 points, including three outside conversions, while Sangalang chipped in 17 markers as the Hotshots tied Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on top with 3-0 slate.

Stanley Pringle led the defending champions Kings (1-2) with 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Christian Standhardinger, Earl Scottie Thompson and LA Tenorio added 13 markers each.

Meanwhile, Ilonggo Jericho Cruz heated up in the fourth quarter as the NLEX Road Warriors surged to a 108-94 triumph over the Terrafirma Dyip to increase their win-loss record to 2-2.

As the Road Warriors cling to a 73-72 lead in the fourth quarter, Cruz, fellow Ilonggo Kiefer Ravena, Anthony Semerad and JR Quiñahan connived in a huge rally to take an 88-78 lead.

Two more baskets by Cruz gave NLEX its largest lead at 98-82 with over four minutes in the game. Terrafirma made its last push at 98-90 but a three-pointer by Quiñahan and free throws by Kevin Alas sealed the victory for the Road Warriors.

Cruz ended the match with 15 points, 11 of which came in the fourth quarter, while Alas led the Road Warriors’ offense with 21 points, Quiñahan added 19 markers, while rookie Calvin Oftana and Semerad chipped in 16 and 13 points, respectively./ASC, WDJ