MAGNOLIA Chicken Timplados kept its unbeaten slate with a hard-earned 94-90 win over San Miguel on Sunday in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Philsports Arena.
Tyler Bey had 31 points and 21 rebounds as the Hotshots picked up their seventh straight victory, formally clinching a spot in the quarterfinals.
Magnolia survived a late rally by San Miguel after it held a 90-80 lead with nearly two minutes remaining in the contest.
MAGNOLIA MATCHES BEST START
The hard-fought win enabled Magnolia to match its best start in a conference in franchise history, equaling the mark set during the 2008 Philippine Cup.
The Hotshots also dealt the Beermen their second straight loss after June Mar Fajardo suffered a fractured left hand that will keep him out for four to six weeks.
VICTOLERO: NOT AN EASY GAME
“I told you in our last game that this is not an easy game for us,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero. “With or without June Mar, this game will always be a grinding game against San Miguel.”
An 8-1 run fueled a pullaway from an 82-79 lead with Bey hitting back-to-back baskets.
James Laput also delivered for Magnolia with 14 points and seven rebounds, while Jio Jalalon had 11 points and 11 assists.
Ivan Aska had 29 points and six rebounds, while Jericho Cruz had 16 points for San Miguel, which was able to build a 60-55 lead in the third only for Magnolia to regain the lead, 68-67, at the end of the quarter.
The scores:
Magnolia 94 – Bey 31, Laput 14, Jalalon 11, Barroca 10, Dionisio 10, Dela Rosa 6, Sangalang 4, Ahanmisi 3, Lee 2, Reavis 2, Tratter 1, Mendoza 0.
San Miguel 90 – Aska 29, Cruz 16, Tautuaa 12, Lassiter 9, Brondial 9, Ross 7, Perez 4, Mallilin 2, Bulanadi 2.
Quarters: 17-19; 44-39; 68-67; 94-90.
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