Magnolia bounces back, trounces San Miguel for 7th win

The Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots recovered from their first loss of the conference with a decisive 104-87 victory against the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Governors' Cup on Sunday in Antipolo City.

Coming off a heartbreaking 103-101 defeat from NorthPort, Hotshots guard Paul Lee quickly buckled down and took care of business as he finished with 26 points, 17 of which he poured in during their first half surge. 

The 33-year-old veteran added five rebounds, five assists, and two steals as Magnolia gained the solo lead in the team standings with a 7-1 win-loss card while the Beermen slid to 5-4.

While Lee led the way for the locals, import Mike Harris also provided a lot of firepower with 26 markers, including a jumper that brought them up by 22 in the fourth, 91-67, to go along with 13 boards.

A pair of charities from Harris in the final stretch of the game also sealed the deal for Magnolia.

The loss spoiled a rousing debut from new SMB import Shabazz Muhammad who dropped a double-double of 27 points and 17 rebounds to go along with two assists and a block.

Muhammad was coming in as a replacement for Orlando Johnson.

The scores:

Magnolia 104 - Lee 26, Harris 26, Barroca 12, Dionisio 12, Sangalang 9, Jalalon 8, Corpuz 4, Wong 3, Reavis 2, Ahanmisi 0, Escoto 0.

San Miguel 87 - Muhammad 27, Perez 18, Manuel 16, Lassiter 11, Fajardo 6,Tautuaa 5, Romeo 4, Ross 0, Enciso 0, Pessumal 0, Brondial 0.

Quarters: 25-23, 57-44, 81-62, 104-87.

—JMB, GMA News