Paul Lee of the Magnolia Hotshots playing against the Converge Fiber Xers in the PBA Governors Cup. –PBA Images
Except for a few brief moments, Magnolia seemed in control throughout Friday night, outshooting Converge 105-93 to earn its first win in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup.
Paul Lee was the star for the Hotshots, recording 14 points, four rebounds and seven assists to lead his team to a rebound win after losing to Meralco in their season opener last Sunday.
“I came back from a bad conference so I just wanted to bounce back. It all starts with you, get your body in shape, then your mind in shape. So I took that as motivation and I’m happy with the results so far,” the veteran gunner said shortly after the win at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Schedule: 2024 PBA Governors Cup Preliminary Round
Glenn Robinson led Magnolia with 28 points, tormenting Converge ace Alec Stockton and holding the Fiberexers to just 93 points after a dominant 127-95 win over Terra Firma earlier in the week.
“We wanted to keep them under 100 points. Our actual target was 92 points. Maybe we let our guard down a little in the last five minutes because we thought we had already won. We need to deal with the situation,” coach Tito Victolero said.
“But a win is a win,” he added.
Read: PBA: Paul Lee enjoys thrilling four-pointer in season opener
Scottie Hopson had 26 points, eight rebounds and five assists and Kevin Racal added 17 points, but Stockton and former Rookie of the Year Justin Arana only managed three points and 10 points, respectively.
Jerrick Ahanmisi made three four-pointers, the most by a local player since the PBA adopted new rules to add some spice to the game.
Magnolia and Converge both currently sit with 1-1 records and join Meralco and NorthPort in Group A matches with TNT currently setting the pace.
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Next up on the schedule for Hotshots and FiberXers is Tropang Giga.
