Magnolia bounces back, trounces Terrafirma to re-enter PBA winning column

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Magnolia Hotshots Chicken Timplados redeemed themselves and manhandled the Terrafirma Dyip, 104-91, in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup last December 20, 2023, held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

After suffering its lone loss in the import-laced conference at the hands of the Rain or Shine Elastopainters during their last outing, the Chicken Timplados came out smoking hot against Terrafirma and immediately took control of the game from the get-go.

Boosted by quick three-point bombs from superstar Paul Lee in the first three minutes of the ball game, the Chicken Timplados didn’t look back and established a commanding lead as early as the first quarter.

Aside from their signature perimeter defense, Magnolia also ran the fast break to perfection as the duo of Tyler Bey and Jio Jalalon connived to pile up the steals for the Chicken Timplados.

Despite Terrafirma going big in hopes to wear out Bey down the post, there was still nothing they can do as the locals contributed big time that helped extend their advantage to double digits.

It was all Magnolia in the third quarter as their spitfire offensive performance ballooned their biggest lead to as much as 30 points after a James Laput slam dunk.

Terrafirma still showed some signs of life in the final frame as point guard Gelo Alolino scored nine points but a counter-run from Magnolia officially fended off Dyip’s comeback hopes.

Bey led the charge for the Chicken Timplados after another all-around performance of 25 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists.

Meanwhile, big man Ian Sangalang had one of his best outings in the Commissioner’s Cup so far after dropping 18 points and nine boards.

Lee, who started the game waxing hot from downtown, finished with an efficient 16-point performance alongside seven dimes and three boards.

On the other hand, it was all locals for Terrafirma as the duo of Juami Tiongson and Alolino paced them in the loss.

Tiongson fired 17 big markers while Alolino added 13 points. Their reinforcement, Thomas de Thaey, was limited to just 11 points and had a hard time locating baskets against the disciplined defense of the Chicken Timplados.