Aris Dionisio waxed hot from rainbow country as he drilled nine triples en route to a career-high 30-point outing and tow Magnolia past NorthPort, 110-94, on Friday in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Dionisio’s nine treys also set a new franchise record in 3-pt shooting for the Hotshots.
With the win, Magnolia also booked a slot in the quarterfinals as it improved to 5-4 in Group A. NorthPort, which slipped to 3-6, was eliminated from playoff contention.
Magnolia led by as much as 26, 81-55, in the 1:20 mark of the third period before it closed the said frame with an 83-61 advantage. Time was on Magnolia’s side as it held control of the game despite NorthPort outscoring the former, 33-27, in the fourth quarter.
Zav Lucero registered a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, alongside four blocks, two assists, and a steal, while Joseph Eriobu and Calvin Abueva chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively for Magnolia.
Arvin Tolentino led the Batang Pier with 25 points, while Damie Cuntapay and Jio Jalalon scored 13 and 11 points, respectively.
Both teams played without import as NorthPort reinforcement Venky Jois was ruled out of the season due to a partial Achilles tendon rupture, while Magnolia’s Shabazz Muhammad was reportedly recovering from an injury.
Earlier, NLEX snapped a four-game slump at the expense of Phoenix, 104-79.
The victory boosted the Road Warriors’ chances of getting a playoff berth as NLEX improved to 4-5 in Group B.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
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