RAFI Reavis turned back the hands of time with crucial plays for Magnolia, helping the Hotshots clinch twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup quarterfinals with an 88-83 win over TNT on Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The oldest active player in the league at 47 years old had four points, six rebounds, one steal, and one block in 12 minutes and nine seconds of action - most of them coming in a 16-0 Magnolia run bridging the later part of the third and the early part of the fourth.
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That pivotal stretch set the stage for the win that snapped a two-game losing skid for the Hotshots, who, before the game, had lost the momentum of a strong start by losing three of their next four games.
By finishing the eliminations with an 8-3 win-loss record, Magnolia booked the twice-to-beat incentive in the Final 8.
On the other hand, the loss sent TNT reeling to a 6-5 win-loss record and out of contention for a twice-to-beat spot, meaning the Tropang 5G are one quarterfinal defeat away from blowing their shot at a grand slam.
Zavier Lucero had 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block, while William Navarro played his best game as a Hotshot since the trade from NorthPort by producing 13 points and four rebounds.
Reavis was on the floor when the Hotshots closed the third quarter with six straight points to regain the lead, 69-66. Magnolia went on a tear including two free throws from Reavis to start the fourth, and a putback that increase the lead to 81-66.
During the final two minutes, Reavis even grabbed three offensive rebounds in one sequence to eat more time on a clock that's running against the rallying Tropang 5G.
“’Yung mentality namin, the preparation, I want them to feel the playoff atmosphere. I trust my players when their backs are against the wall. I trust the guys that they will perform with their very best. Credit to them all, talagang pinaghandaan nila,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.
TNT has now lost back-to-back games after a six-game winning streak, their backs now against the wall following another defeat.
RR Pogoy had 18 points and seven rebounds, while Calvin Oftana added 15 points and eight rebounds. But TNT missed the services of Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who was suspended for a flagrant foul two he committed last Sunday against Barangay Ginebra.
The scores:
Magnolia 88 – Lucero 24, Navarro 13, Barroca 11, Sangalang 9, Dela Rosa 7, Dionisio 7, Lee 7, Lastimosa 6, Reavis 4, Alfaro 0, Laput 0.
TNT 83 – Pogoy 18, Oftana 15, Erram 12, Heading 12, Williams 10, Aurin 7, Khobuntin 7, Galinato 2, Enciso 0, Varilla 0, Vosotros 0, Heruela 0.
Quarters: 21-23; 49-43; 69-66; 88-83.
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