WATCH: James Laput Highlights [Magnolia vs Terrafirma | July 26, 2023]

Magnolia defeated Terrafirma, 106-92, on Wednesday to complete an 11-game sweep of the 2023 PBA On Tour at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

James Laput scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for a double-double, but it was Joseph Eriobu who shone the brightest by scoring all 15 of his points in the second half to propel the Hotshots to a dominating victory in the preseason series.

Eriobu, who has spent the majority of the last three years in 3×3 competitions after being dropped by Blackwater, is attempting to make the most of the opportunity Magnolia coach Chito Victolero is giving him to return to the 5×5 level.

“Sobrang halaga ng ibinibigay ni coach Chito na opportunity,” said the 31-year-old Fil-Nigerian.

“Kasi under observation ako ngayon so ang iniisip ko lang, kagaya kanina, pag ipasok ako kailangan may magawa ako sa court, ‘yung mga intangibles. Iyun palagi ang ni-re-remind sa amin, ‘yung itangibles and hustle sa depensa.”

Eriobu’s three-pointer propelled the Hotshots to a 72-69 lead, and he added 7 more points while primarily connecting with Aris Dionisio and Mark Barroca to extend the lead to 13 points.

Laput assumed control as the lead ballooned to as much as 106-89.

Barroca finished with 12 points and Dionisio with 10. Jio Jalalon scored only three points but dished out a tournament-high 12 assists, including 10 in the first half when Magnolia established a 48-42 advantage.