MANILA – Magnolia began the new Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) season on a high note after pipping TNT, 110-102, on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Tyler Bey scored crucial inside baskets down the stretch as the Hotshot prevented the Tropang Giga from mounting a comeback.

With TNT knocking on Magnolia’s door, Bey kept his opponents at bay in the end as he dominated the shaded lane for clutch shots.

 Bey began his late brilliance by draining a layup with two and a half minutes left, and then he scored on two dunks, including a putback jam with 24.2 seconds left that iced the game for the Hotshots.

Bey finished with 31 points, 20 rebounds, one assist, and three steals, while Mark Barroca added 19 points, three rebounds, and three assists for Magnolia, which has now won 12 straight games dating back to the pre-season PBA on Tour event.

Ian Sangalang had nine points, eight rebounds, and two assists in his first game back from his sickness.

Quincy Miller made 37 points, 14 rebounds, one assist, two blocks, and four steals, while Calvin Oftana added 28 points, four rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block for TNT, who fell for the third straight time in all competitions in regular season play including back-to-back losses to Chiba in the East Asia Super League. (PNA)