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PBA: Magnolia pulls off huge comeback to stun Meralco

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ABS-CBN News

(UPDATED) Magnolia overcame a sluggish first quarter to turn back Meralco, 94-80, and draw first blood in their best-of-5 PBA Governors Cup semifinals on Wednesday.The Hotshots had to fight their way out from a 17-point deficit to pull off a surprise against the Bolts at the Mall of Asia Arena.Mike Harris powered Magnolia with 26 points and 16 rebounds as Jio Jalalon poured in 15 markers and 6 rebounds.&quot;Very slow start. I talked to my players (at halftime) and I told them that if we cannot match the intensity and aggressiveness of Meralco, we&#x27;ll have a hard time winning this game,&quot; said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.The Hotshots lagged by as much as 17 points, 16-33, but managed to trim it down to single digits, 43-35, at the half.&quot;In the second quarter, we started playing the Magnolia Hotshots basketball, which is our aggressiveness, our effort,&quot; said Victolero. &quot;It started with our defense. Magandang depensa ipinakita namin sa second half.&quot;Import Tony Bishop scored only 10 points with 12 rebounds for Meralco. Chris Banchero added 16 points.The Hotshots now enjoy a 1-0 series lead against the Bolts.The scores:Magnolia 94 - Harris 26, Jalalon 15, Lee 13, Abueva 12, Barroca 9, Dionisio 7, Dela Rosa 6, Wong 5, Sangalang 1, Reavis 0, Brill 0, Corpuz 0.Meralco 80 - Banchero 16, Quinto 13, Bishop 10, Newsome 8, Maliksi 7, Black 7, Baclao 6, Hodge 5, Almazan 4, Caram 2, Hugnatan 2, Jose 0.Quarters: 12-22, 35-43, 64-56, 94-80.

Magnolia overcame a sluggish first quarter to turn back Meralco, 94-80, and draw first blood in their best-of-5 PBA Governors Cup semifinals.