WATCH: Magnolia vs Terrafirma Game Highlights [Season 47 PH Cup | July 8, 2022]

Magnolia went full blast to welcome the return of ace guard Paul Lee and stormed past hapless Terrafirma, 104-83, and into solo fifth place in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday night.

Lee himself came out firing, tallying 17 markers even in just 17 minutes of action as the Hotshots roared to a fourth straight win and their fifth in eight games in all.

Ian Sangalang top scored with 20 points that went with seven rebounds, two steals and one block while Jio Jalalon sustained a personal romp with 17 markers on top of seven dish-offs and six boards as Magnolia broke free from a tie with Meralco and closed in on an outright quarterfinals entry.

It’s a ghastly rout that sent the Dyip deeper down the leaderboard at 0-8.

“We’re very happy whether it’s a one-point or 20-point win; panalo pa rin yan. We’re happy kasi ang ganda nung nilaro namin,” said coach Chito Victolero of their overpowering performance marked by a 64-33 blasting of the Dyip in the first half.

“Na-execute namin yung game plan. Halos lahat nag-contribute at halos lahat nag-step up,” added Victolero.

Lee, back from a case of spasm and a calf injury, was happy to be reunited with his teammates on the floor, nearing the playoffs.