Zavier Lucero produced a double-double performance of 18 points and 12 rebounds to power Magnolia to a 98-82 victory over NLEX on Sunday and secure a quarterfinal slot in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.
After his career-high 31 points last Friday, Zavier Lucero came up with another round of impressive numbers as the Hotshots improved to a 6-3 win-loss record.
Magnolia head coach LA Tenorio said he had to remind his boys about their 97-114 loss to Converge last Friday when they went on a strong start but later melted away.
“Well, we had a good start like in the last game against Converge but we didn’t sustain the lead in the second half. I reminded the whole team we have to learn from the last game,” Tenorio said.
“Every game for us is a playoff game. I have to give credit to my players because they responded. I told them that this will be a test of discipline and character for the team.”
A layup from Rome dela Rosa with 5:19 left in the second quarter capped a 14-3 run in the second quarter and established a 42-25 lead.
Dela Rosa had 14 points and five rebounds for Magnolia while Mark Barroca dropped 12 points.
Robert Bolick and Javee Mocon scored 12 points each for NLEX in a losing effort.