PBA: Magnolia rides on strong 4th quarter to deny Blackwater, bags 6th straight win

Streaking Magnolia used a strong fourth quarter to pull away against upset-seeking Blackwater, 105-84, and preserve its unbeaten run in the 2023 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena.

Holding just a five-point lead before marching on to the payoff period, the Hotshots went ballistic in the final frame after outscoring the Bossing, 35 to 19, and claimed their sixth win in as many games. 

Blackwater, meanwhile, absorbed its sixth straight loss to go 1-6. 

Heroes were plenty for Magnolia with reinforcement Tyler Bey detonating for a whopping double-double outing of 26 points and 22 rebounds on top of three assists, one steal, and one block as they remained immaculate in the tournament. 

Paul Lee chipped in 19 markers built on three triples and laced with six dimes and four boards while Jio Jalalon, Ian Sangalang, and Mark Barroca each tallied 10 markers to help the cause. 

Christian David and Mike Ayonayon emerged as the top scorers for the slumping Blackwater as both finished with 15 points. 

Magnolia will seek to bag its seventh win in a row when it takes on San Miguel on Sunday while Blackwater will tangle with TNT next Friday. 

Scores:

Magnolia 105 – Bey 26, Lee 19, Jalalon 10, Sangalang 10, Barroca 10, Eriobu 9, Laput 5, Tratter 5, Dela Rosa 3, Mendoza 3, Escoto 3, Reavis 2, Ahanmisi 0, Murrell 0, Dionisio 0.

Blackwater 84 – David 15, Ayonayon 15, Rosario 14, Suerte 13, Ilagan 13, Ortiz 8, Guinto 3, Amer 2, escoto 1, Ular 0, Hill 0.

Quarters: 27-23, 52-47, 70-65, 105-84.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News