Aris Dionisio drops career-high 30 as Magnolia routs NorthPort in import-less battle

Aris Dionisio delivered a spectacular performance as Magnolia rode his hot hand to a convincing 110-94 victory over NorthPort in their all-Filipino encounter, securing a spot in the quarterfinals of Group A during the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday, September 20.

Dionisio showcased his sharpshooting skills, sinking a franchise-record nine three-pointers in a rare offensive display by the typically defensive-minded Hotshots, effectively ensuring their advancement to the next round.

The 29-year-old wingman ignited the game with a blistering start, netting four triples and contributing 12 of his career-high 30 points in the first quarter alone. This scoring barrage propelled the Hotshots to a commanding 29-13 lead at the end of the opening frame, and they extended their advantage to as much as 26 points in the following quarters.

With this decisive win, Magnolia improved its record to 5-4, securing a place among the top four teams in Group A while simultaneously eliminating NorthPort, which fell to a 4-5 record after the defeat.

The Batang Pier’s loss also signaled a win for the Converge FiberXers, who, sporting a 5-4 record themselves, also advanced to the quarterfinals.

Interestingly, Magnolia and Converge are set to face off on Monday, September 23, with positioning and the opportunity to avoid the top seed in Group B during the quarterfinals crossover on the line.

Zav Lucero proved to be an imposing force in the paint, contributing a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, alongside four blocks and a steal for Magnolia, which played without import Shabazz Muhammad due to a knee injury.

Joseph Eriobu added depth off the bench, scoring 13 points, while Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang chipped in with 12 and 10 points, respectively, in this dominating win.

Arvin Tolentino attempted to rally NorthPort with a commendable 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists, but the substantial lead proved insurmountable for the Batang Pier, who also missed import Venky Jois due to an Achilles injury.

Damie Cuntapay and Jio Jalalon contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively.

The scores:

Magnolia 110 – Dionisio 30, Lucero 16, Eriobu 13, Abueva 12, Sangalang 10, Lee 9, Dela Rosa 9, Barroca 7, Ahanmisi 4, Mendoza 0, Escoto 0, Balanza 0, Laput 0.

NorthPort 94 – Tolentino 25, Cuntapay 13, Jalalon 11, Flores 8, Amores 8, Munzon 6, Navarro 6, Onwubere 6, Tratter 4, Bulanadi 4, Taha 2, Nelle 1, Yu 0.

Quarterscores: 29-13, 57-35, 83-61, 110-94.