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By Frank Calapre, Correspondent
NEW IMPORT Amal McCaskill debuted
with 16 points as the Magnolia Beverage got even with Sta. Lucia
Realty with an 80-74 win Friday in the 2008 Smart-PBA Fiesta
Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The 6’11” McCaskill, a second
round pick by the Orlando Magic in 1996, adjusted well to the system
of coach Siot Tanquincen by leading the Beverage Masters to their
eighth win in 15 games.
“I hope he fits to our system.
It’s too early to say but I think he can boost our chances,”
said Tanquincen.
With the score tied at 37-all at
halftime, Marc Pingres and McCaskill, who replaced Jameelk Watkins,
combined for six points to give Magnolia a 42-39 lead.
Dondon Hontiveros, who just
recovered from injury, scored back-to-back baskets while Danny
Seigle sank a 3-pointer to give the Beverage Masters a 60-51 lead at
the start of the fourth quarter.
Hontiveros finished with 14
points while Jonas Villanueva added 12 points for Magnolia, which
avenged its 86-88 loss to Sta. Lucia on April 6 at the Ynares Center
in Antipolo City.
Magnolia’s victory spoiled the
debut of 6’10” import Lee Benson.
The 35-year-old Benson, whose
last stint was in Puerto Rico, had 19 points, while Kelly Williams
and Bitoy Omolon chipped in 16 and 11 points, respectively.
Score:
MAGNOLIA 80—McCaskill 16,
Hontiveros 14, Villanueva 12, Seigle 11, Pena 9, Pingris 7,
Ildefonso 6, Tugade 5, Racela 0.
STA. LUCIA 74—Benson 19,
Williams 16, Omolon 11, Espino 8, Mendoza 8, Miranda 6, Reyes 2,
Aquino 2, Gonzales 2, Coronel 0.
Quarters: 20-16, 37-37, 60-51,
80-74.
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