Paul Lee’s 4-Point Fireworks Steal the Show
Veteran guard Paul Lee lit up the court with four 4-point bombs as he spearheaded the Magnolia Hotshots to a dominant 117-92 win over the Meralco Bolts at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday night. Lee’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, finishing with 27 points, including three consecutive four-point plays during a crucial fourth-quarter stretch that sealed the win for Magnolia.
Lee’s scoring burst came when it mattered most—with Meralco still within reach, he nailed three long-distance shots in quick succession to fuel a 22-6 run that gave the Hotshots a comfortable 108-86 lead in the final four minutes. He shot 4-of-5 from the rarely-used 4-point arc and added a traditional three-pointer for good measure, along with two assists and two turnovers, all in just 21 minutes of play.
Balanced Offense Lifts Magnolia to 6-0 Start
While Lee provided the spark, Magnolia’s win was a team effort. Several other players contributed significantly on both ends of the floor:
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Ian Sangalang nearly posted a double-double with 16 points and 9 rebounds.
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Zavi Lucero and James Laput mirrored each other with 11 points and 7 rebounds apiece.
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Rome Dela Rosa chipped in another 11 points.
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Mark Barroca, Jerom Lastimosa, and Peter Alfaro III each scored 9 points, highlighting the team’s depth and balanced attack.
The win keeps the Hotshots undefeated at 6-0, placing them atop the standings at the halfway point of their elimination round. Their remaining schedule includes matchups against Rain or Shine, NorthPort, Barangay Ginebra, NLEX, and TNT Tropang Giga—a challenging stretch that will test their perfect record.
Meralco Struggles Continue Amid On-Court Tension
The Bolts, now 3-5 and clinging to eighth place, suffered their second consecutive defeat despite a strong showing from Chris Banchero, who led the team with 20 points.
However, Meralco’s woes extended beyond the scoreboard. Late in the game, Cliff Hodge was called for a flagrant foul penalty 1 after a dangerous tackle on Lucero, which sparked a heated confrontation. The replay of the foul, shown on the stadium’s giant screen, intensified the tension and disrupted the game’s flow.
The Bolts’ final three games—against Blackwater Bossing, NLEX Road Warriors, and Barangay Ginebra—are must-wins if they hope to stay in playoff contention.
Looking Ahead
Magnolia’s convincing win not only showcased their potent offense but also reinforced their title credentials. With Lee’s clutch shooting and a deep supporting cast, the Hotshots appear well-positioned for a deep postseason run.
For Meralco, adjustments will be crucial moving forward, especially in defense and discipline, as they aim to avoid slipping further in the standings.
Summary Stats:
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Magnolia Hotshots: 117 points | 6-0 record
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Paul Lee: 27 points | 4-of-5 from 4-point range
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Meralco Bolts: 92 points | 3-5 record
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Top Scorer for Meralco: Chris Banchero – 20 points
The scores:
Magnolia 117 – Lee 27, Sangalang 16, Dela Rosa 11, Lucero 11, Laput 11, Barroca 9, Alfaro 9, Lastimosa 9, Abueva 8, Ahanmisi 4, Escoto 2, Dionisio 0..
Meralco 92 – Banchero 20, Newsome 14, Quinto 13, Almazan 13, Hodge 10, Black 10, Cansino 8, Bates 4, Jose 0, Rios 0, Pasaol 0, Torres 0.
Quarterscores: 30-19, 55-45, 82-73, 117-92
