SHABAZZ Muhammad buried a running shot with 8.1 seconds left in his first game with Magnolia to overcome Terrafirma, 99-98, on Thursday in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Hotshots pulled off a great escape with Muhammad’s running shot capping off a frantic finish to the game on their way to their fourth win in seven games.
Kevin Ferrer’s desperate three was off the mark as Terrafirma failed to come way with a win to fall to 0-7 in disappointing fashion.
The Dyip were on the heels of a victory when rookie Paolo Hernandez drained a stepback three with 15.6 seconds left only to concede that Muhammad shot to stay winless and lose for the 19th straight time against the Hotshots.
“I know it’s an ugly win, but I will take it. One point, two points, three points, 10 points, 20 points, as long as we win the game,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.
Muhammad scored 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting, but played only 23 minutes and 53 seconds due to foul troubles. Zav Lucero had 17 points and five rebounds, while Calvin Abueva produced 15 points.
Both teams traded leads even after Terrafirma got off to a strong start and led, 16-6, early in the first, but Magnolia managed to also grab a seven point lead, 54-47, in the third quarter. There were 12 deadlocks and 19 lead changes in the contest.
Terrafirma hasn’t won over Magnolia since then-Mahindra Enforcer defeated the then-Star Hotshots, 100-92, on July 15, 2016, making the defeat much more stinging.
Antonio Hester poured in 39 points and 16 rebounds against his former team for Terrafirma, which played in the absence of Christian Standhardinger but played their best game of the conference.
The scores:
Magnolia 99 – Muhammad 20, Lucero 17, Abueva 15, Ahanmisi 9, Lee 9, Sangalang 8, Dionisio 8, Barroca 7, Mendoza 3, Eriobu 2, Reavis 1, Laput 0, Alfaro 9, Balanza 0.
Terrafirma 98 – Hester 39, Ferrer 18, Pringle 17, Hernandez 7, Olivario 6, Ramos 5, Cahilig 3, Sangalang 3, Carino 0, Hanapi 0.
Quarters: 17-20; 48-44; 69-71; 99-98.
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