PBA: Jerrick Ahanmisi shows way in Magnolia win vs. Terrafirma

Jerrick Ahanmisi clicked from beyond the two arcs, steering Magnolia to a morale-boosting 124-103 victory over Terrafirma as they got back on track in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. 

The 26-year-old guard shot an impressive 58.3 percent from the field, including four four-point buckets en route to a career-high 24-point outing laced with two assists and two steals as the Hotshots bounced back and improved to 2-2 in Group A. 

The Dyip, who were forced to play with an undermanned lineup after the injuries of Juami Tiongson and Kemark Carino as well as the second half absence of import Antonio Hester, continued their woes after dropping to a winless 0-4 slate. 

Ahanmisi got his offense going early, firing three of six attempts from the 27-feet territory to tally 14 points in the first half, which had Magnolia enjoying a comfortable 63-32 lead. 

The former Adamson standout, though, did not convert any basket in the third period as Terrafirma tried to fight back by outscoring the other team, 32 to 23, and even get to as close as 20 points after an Andreas Cahilig three-point play, 80-60. 

But Magnolia had enough manpower to neutralize Terrafirma with Zavier Lucero dropping 13 of his overall output in the said frame to help the Hotshots carry an 86-64 cushion before the payoff period. 

Ahanmisi then regained his touch in the final period, knocking down his fourth four-pointer then followed it up with back-to-back triples for a 100-77 spread. 

Import Glenn Robinson III, who also showed up in the endgame, finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds while Lucero tallied 15 markers, five boards, and three assists. 

Scores:

Magnolia 124 – Ahanmisi 24, Robin III 20, Lucero 15, Sangalang 14, Lee 13, Eriobu 12, Balanza 7, Barroca 6, Laput 6, Dionisio 4, Abueva 3, Mendoza 0, Reavis 0, Dela Rosa 0, Alfaro 0.

Terrafirma 103 – Pringle 23, Standhardinger 22, Hernandez 18, Sangalang 9, Ramos 9, Ferrer 7, Hanapi 7, Cahilig 6, Hester 2, Tiongson 0, Olivario 0, Carino 0.

Quarters: 34-13, 63-32, 86-64, 124-103.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News