By Adrian Stewart Co

Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok had a rousing 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup debut with a 114-87 manhandling of Terrafirma Dyip yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Michael Harris led the way with double-double 30 points and 15 rebounds, while Calvin Abueva chipped in with 17 markers and 11 boards for the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup runner-up Hotshots.

Paul Lee converted three outside shots for 16 points, while Ian Sangalang and Aris Dionisio both came off the bench to finish with 10 markers each for Magnolia.

“I am just so excited to be here (in the PBA) and winning with these guys,” said Harris, who played as import for the Alaska Aces three years ago.

Holding to a slim 18-15 lead after the first quarter, the Hotshots went to work in the second quarter behind Harris for a 46-35 halftime lead on a halfcourt buzzer beating basket by Abueva.

The Dyip attempted to come close in the third quarter as they trimmed the deficit to 46-54 but consecutive points from Sangalang, Rome dela Rosa and Jiovani Jalalon widened the lead to 74-53.

Magnolia went on with its rampage in the fourth quarter on conversions by Lee and Harris as the lead grew to its biggest at 34 points on a Dionsio three-pointer.

Antonio Hester top-scored with 21 points and eight rebounds, while Juan Miguel Tiongson and Alex Cabagnot added 20 and 16, respectively, as the Dyip dropped to 1-2.

BOX SCORE:

MAGNOLIA 114 – Harris 30, Abueva 17, Lee 16, Sangalang 10, Dionisio 10, Jalalon 8, Ahanmisi 8, Dela Rosa 6, Brill 4, Barroca 3, Laput 2, Corpuz 0, De Leon 0, Capobres 0.

TERRAFIRMA 87 – Hester 21, Tiongson 20, Cabagnot 16, Ganuelas-Rosser 10, Cahilig 6, Pascual 3, Melton 2, Ramos 2, Batiller 2, Calvo 2, Camson 2, Gabayni 1, Adams 0, Celda 0.

Quarterscores: 18-15, 46-35, 81-64, 114-87./ASC, WDJ