by Jonas Terrado
Games Tomorrow (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:30 p.m. – Blackwater vs Meralco
7 p.m. – Ginebra vs NLEX
Import Romeo Travis once again showed why he’s a perfect fit for the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok after a 113-95 rout of the winless Columbian Dyip last night for a share of the lead in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Travis finished with 32 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists, imposing his dominance on both ends as the Hotshots won convincingly to tie idle defending champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on top of the standings with five wins and one defeat.
Mark Barroca had 16 points and four assists, PBA Press Corps Player of the Week Paul Lee produced 13 points and Ian Sangalang added 11 for the Hotshots, who showed no let-up right from the onset.
“It’s very important to have a proper defensive mindset, regardless of which team we face,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.
Magnolia produced its third straight victory in a span of a week as the Hotshots are seeking to gain better positioning in the quarterfinals.
A big test awaits the Hotshots in the 11 days as they meet the Blackwater Elite on Oct. 10 at the Cuneta Astrodome before taking on the Alaska Aces on Oct. 14 at the Big Dome.
“This win does not give us the twice-to-beat advantage (in the quarterfinals), that is why we need to prepare for our next few games and keep focus on the big picture,” said Victolero.
MAGNOLIA 113 – Travis 32, Barroca 16, Lee 13, Sangalang 11, Herndon 8, Dela Rosa 7, Jalalon 6, Reavis 5, Mendoza 3, Melton 3, Simon 3, Gamalinda 2, Ramos 2, Brondial 2, Pascual 0, Abundo 0.
COLUMBIAN 95 – Corpuz 20, Wright 19, Reyes 15, King 12, McCarthy 12, Sara 7, Khobuntin 6, Escoto 2, Gabriel 2, Celda 0, Ababou 0, Tubid 0, Cabrera 0.
Quarters: 31-20, 60-46, 92-70, 113-95.
