Red-hot Magnolia clobbers San Miguel

Calvin Abueva barely missed a beat as Magnolia defeated San Miguel, 94-65, on Sunday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig to remain undefeated in the PBA On Tour.

The ‘Beast’ nearly had a double-double with 9 points and 16 rebounds as he helped the Hotshots remain undefeated through eight preseason games. He missed seven games due to a minor knee injury.

James Laput led the welcome back party for Abueva by scoring a game-high 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting and grabbing 11 rebounds.

Laput was part of the starting lineup that propelled the Hotshots to a 24-14 lead at the end of the first quarter, signaling the beginning of a wire-to-wire victory.

Jerrick Ahanmisi contributed 13 points, highlighted by three three-pointers. Jio Jalalon scored 11 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out five assists. Big man Abu Tratter contributed 11 points and 11 rebounds to the victory.

The Hotshots will face Rain or Shine on July 15 in Dumaguete, followed by Phoenix Super LPG on the 23rd and Terrafirma on the 26th to conclude its On Tour schedule.

Jericho Cruz led San Miguel with 15 points, but the team was unable to maintain its momentum after breaking a five-game losing streak against TNT last time out.

Rodney Brondial scored 12 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and Allyn Bulanadi contributed 10 points as the duo carried the fight for the depleted crew.

The Beermen (3-7) will look to end their On Tour stint with a victory against the Dyip at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Sunday, July 16 at 5:00 p.m.

The scores:

Magnolia 94 – Laput 21, Ahanmisi 13, Jalalon 11, Tratter 11, Abueva 9, Eriobu 9, Mendoza 7, Corpuz 5, Dela Rosa 5, Murrell 3, Barroca 1, Lee 0.

San Miguel 65 – Cruz 15, Brondial 12, Bulanadi 10, Faundo 9, Dela Cruz 8, Baclao 5, Lee 2, Apacible 2, Lazarte 2.

Quarterscores: 24-14, 48-35, 66-56, 94-65.