CHICAGO - Up 65-45 in the third quarter and seemingly in control, Magnolia bowed to Converge on Sunday night, 93-91, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Checked in early, checked out late. Burned quick, burned out quicker.
Whatever the euphemism, squandering a 20-point lead was the most Magnolia way to lose a game. And if the Hotshots want to peel the "introvoys" label that has been velcroed on them for sometime now, they can't keep getting involved in these mishaps.
READ Big Stockton plays complete Converge fightback vs Magnolia
Basketball is a game of runs and losing 20-point leads are a dime a dozen in this era of modern hoops. But when your team fancies itself as a defensive juggernaut, you can't piss away that much cushion in less than two quarters of play.
Unless, of course, you're Magnolia.
STOCKTON TO MALONE, ERR, ARANA.
And it didn't help that Alec Stockton took over the final stanza before punishing the Hotshots with 18 points and 10 dimes while Justin Arana had 25 and seven rebounds for a Converge side that pelted the Hotshots with 10 made 3s.
In fairness, Magnolia beat Blackwater, 118-100, last Thursday at the dismal emptiness that is Ninoy Aquino Stadium. But then again, everybody beats those lovable Bossing.
Claiming Converge's scalp tonight was the opportunity to go up 2-0 and share the lead alongside guest team Hong Kong Eastern and NorthPort. Instead, we get to, at least for now, dismiss the Hotshots as pretenders masquerading as contenders.
After an impressive Commissioner's Cup debut where he scored 30 points on 11-of-13 shooting from the field and 7-of-9 free throws, Magnolia import Ricardo Ratliffe carded a harmless 25 against Converge.
He missed 15 of 26 field goals and went just 2-of-8 at the charity line. Per multiple sources, Ratliffe, a tenacious rebounder who plucked 37 rebounds in two outings, might be suffering some form of "shoulder issue."
WHICH, IF TRUE, WOULDN'T BE A SURPRISE.
A big name and an even bigger performer, the 6-foot-8, 240-pound tank is now 35 years old. Having played almost year-round during his time in Korea where he doubled duty with his KBL side and the national team, the effects of wear and tear are a reasonable and natural expectation.
Just as it had done when it unceremoniously yanked Glen Robinson III for Shabazz Muhammad last conference, Magnolia is so into shiny big names, which is their prerogative, of course.
However, some of the really good imports who have graced the PBA recently weren't really glitzy names coming in. Bennie Boatwright and Tony Bishop to name a few. The premium on import selection should be on age, not necessarily box office appeal.
It's no secret that Magnolia's beloved core - Ian Sangalang, Paul Lee and Mark Barroca -are approaching the sunset of their fabulous careers with a combined age of 105.
The good news is that the Hotshots' future is bright with young turks Jerom Lastimosa and Zavier Lucero.
Through two games Jerom has put together 23 points and six assists while Zav gathered 23 points and 17 rebounds.
Not bad, really.
But until they fully mature and get their stripes, Magnolia's championship-contending days may be behind them now like a washed out fighter past his prime.
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