Paul Lee’s clutch performance powered the Magnolia Timplados Hotshots to a decisive 105-93 victory over the Converge Fiber Xers on Friday in the 49th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Lee, who tallied 14 points, played a pivotal role in securing the win, including sinking two crucial free throws that extended the Hotshots’ lead to 16 points, 89-73, with 8:23 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The 6’0” guard took control in the third period, teaming up with Glenn Robinson II, who contributed seven of his game-high 28 points during that stretch, pushing the Hotshots to an 82-66 advantage heading into the final quarter.
Magnolia’s offense was well-rounded, with five players scoring in double figures. Jerrick Ahanmisi and Ian Sangalang also added 14 points each, helping the Hotshots bounce back from a 94-99 loss to the Meralco Bolts in their opener.
Hotshots coach Chito Victolero praised his team’s defensive efforts, particularly their ability to limit the Fiber Xers to under 100 points, a key goal for the game. “We wanted to hold them below 100 points. Our target was 92 points, and we did a good job on the defensive end,” Victolero said.
Converge, now with a 1-1 record, was led by import Brian Hopson, who scored 26 points. However, the Hotshots’ defense clamped down on Hopson in the final quarter, holding him to just five points.
Magnolia will look to build on this momentum and secure a second consecutive win when it faces the TNT Tropang Giga on Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
