MAGNOLIA survived the hot-shooting Stephen Holt and a gutsy stand by Terrafirma, 108-100, to claim the third playoffs berth in the PBA Philippine Cup Friday at the Philsports Arena.
The Hotshots went on a telling 7-0 finishing kick inside the final two minutes including five straight by the hurting Mark Barroca to take fight out of the Dyip, 106-98, with 54 seconds to go.
The victory snapped a two-game slide by Magnolia, which formally joined San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra in the quarterfinals.
Ian Sangalang finished with 23 points including the layup with 2:03 to play that sparked Magnolia’s late run.
Barroca added 21 and the Hotshots got key contributions from veteran team captain Rafi Reavis, who had a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds.
“Right now, it’s playoffs time. All teams are leveling up right now. So it’s just time to battle. Playoffs are a different atmosphere than the eliminations, so preparation is going to be the key. We have to be more attentive to details and be ready for whatever stands in front of us,” said the 46-year-old Reavis.
Magnolia improved to 6-4 overall with still a game left on Sunday against TNT Tropang Giga.
The loss spoiled a season-high 32 points for Holt, who had 13 points in the fourth quarter as he rallied Terrafirma back from a 66-53 third-quarter deficit to threaten at 99-98 behind his third and final three-pointer for the game.
Last season’s top rookie pick also had eight assists for the Dyip, who got 14 points from Juami Tiongson and 13 each from Isaac Go (10 rebounds) and Javi Gomez De Liano.
Terrafirma concluded the eliminations with a 5-6 record in a tie with Northport and will now await there would be a possible playoff for the no. 8 quarterfinals berth.
The scores
Magnolia (108) -- Sangalang 23, Barroca 21, Lee 17, Reavis 10, Eriobu 8, Balanza 8, Jalalon 7, Dela Rosa 5, Dionisio 5, Tratter 4.
Terrafirma (100) -- Holt 32, Tiongson 14, Go 13, Gomez de Liano 13, Cahilig 9, Alolino 7, Carino 7, Sangalang 4, Ramos 1, Calvo 0, Camson 0.
Quarterscores: 28-16; 50-44; 80-71; 108-100.
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