Paul Lee fires 28 as Magnolia grabs 2-0 semis lead over Meralco

Paul Lee showed off his lethal form as the Magnolia Hotshots held off the Meralco Bolts, 92-78, in Game 2 of their best-of-seven semifinal series in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday in Bacolor, Pampanga.

With the win, the Hotshots now hold a commanding 2-0 series lead after an 88-79 win in Game 1 last Sunday.

Magnolia largely banked on Lee, who ignited for 17 points in the first half to lead a 18-4 run as Magnolia roared back from 12 points down and ended the first two periods ahead by two, 38-36.

During that rampage, Lee drilled 11 points, including three triples, to put the Hotshots at the driver's seat heading to the second half.

Magnolia also held the upperhand at the end of third, 64-58, as Meralco suffered a huge blow when Cliff Hodge was ejected from the court after incurring a technical and flagrant foul penalty one.

Calvin Abueva then took over in the payoff period on both ends of the floor, scoring six points and five rebounds in the quarter to steer Magnolia to the second win of the series.

Lee paced Magnolia with 28 points, three assists, and two steals while Ian Sangalang finished with a double-double of 16 markers and 10 boards.

Game 3 is set on Friday, October 8, at 3 p.m.

Earlier, San Miguel Beermen escaped TNT Tropang Giga after Marcio Lassiter banked the game-winning basket to tie the series at 1-1.

Scores:

Magnolia 92 - Lee 28, Sangalang 16, Abueva 11, Dela Rosa 8, Reavis 6, Melton 6, Barroca 4, Corpuz 4, Jalalon 4, Dionisio 3, Pascual 2

Meralco 78 - Newsome 18, Hugnatan 12, Pinto 12, Belo 7, Quinto 7, Maliksi 7, Almazan 6, Caram 4, Hodge 3, Jose 2, Pasaol 0, Baclao 0

Quarter scores: 13-13, 38-36, 64-58, 92-78

—MGP, GMA News