MAGNOLIA secured a key win to boost its flagging quarterfinal bid, beating Phoenix, 110-104, on Thursday in the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup at the Philsports Arena.
The Hotshots led by as many as 14 points and held on for a change, arresting the trend, at least for this game, of blowing big leads in the endgame.
Magnolia improved to 4-6 win-loss to stay at ninth but now only one game behind San Miguel (4-4). Phoenix slipped to 3-6, snapping its two-game winning streak.
“Actually, fourth quarter, ‘yun ang sinabi ko sa kanina. We have to learn from our experience,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero, referring to his reminder of maintaining the lead after they ended the third with an 83-76 gap.
“We’re having this kind of situation before. A lot actually, a lot of games. But because of the breaks of the game, because of the way we execute, medyo nawawala sa amin ‘yung panalo. But this time, we had the execution that we want, the defense that we want,” Victolero added.
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Lucero also nailed two free throws with 1:59 left for a 108-102, then drew an offensive foul on Kai Ballungay on the next possession that fizzled out Phoenix’s momentum after a last-ditch rally try.
Rookie Peter Alfaro was also a revelation as he had 14 points, three rebounds, and four assists in a starting role as Magnolia now takes a 10-day break before facing Eastern.
“It’s an overall team effort. Before we prepared for his game, talagang kinausap ko sila. We are in a do-or-die situation. We cannot afford to lose. Sobra naman kung mag-eensayo kami in the next 10 days tapos wala na kaming chance. At least, we’re now looking forward for another day,” said Victolero.
Magnolia spoiled the 40-point effort of Phoenix import Donovan Smith.
The scores:
Magnolia 110 – Lucero 25, Barroca 22, Ratliffe 22, Alfaro 14, Lastimosa 6, Abueva 6, Dionisio 5, Eriobu 5, Sangalang 4, Dela Rosa 1, Balanza 0, Mendoza 0, Reavis 0.
Phoenix 104 – Smith 40, Perkins 15, Jazul 15, Ballungay 13, Rivero 6, Tio 5, Manganti 4, Tuffin 2, Muyang 2, Verano 2, Camacho 0, Daves 0, Alejandro 0, Garcia 0, Salado 0, Ular 0.
Quarters: 29-34; 50-50; 83-76; 110-104.
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