MANILA – Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots survived a fourth quarter uprising by Terrafirma Dyip for a 108-100 victory in the PBA Philippine Cup last night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Leading by as much as 15 points, the Hotshots were surprised by a huge run by the Dyip, which knotted the score at 95-all via conversions from Andreas Cahilig and Stephen Holt.
The Hotshots got back-to-back conversions from Ian Sangalang and Rafi Reavis to take a 99-95 advantage, but the Dyip threatened anew at 98-99 after a three-point hit by Holt.
Magnolia increased the lead to 101-98 on an inside basket from Sangalang before they widened it further to 104-98 on a three-point connection by Andy Mark Barroca.
After missed conversions from the Dyip, the Hotshots wrapped up the victory following two free throws each from Barroca and Paul Lee with seven seconds remaining.
Sangalang led the way for the Hotshots with 23 points, while Barroca chipped in 21 markers as they halted a two-game losing skid to improve to a 6-4 win-loss slate.
Lee contributed 17 points, while Reavis posted a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds for the Hotshots.
Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero said they are treating their last two matches as like playoffs as they aim for a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
“We really need to have that sense of urgency in this game,” said Victolero. “Playoff mentality na for us starting this game.”
Holt finished with 32 points, Juan Miguel Tiongson added 14 markers, while Isaac Go and Javi Gomez de Liano ended with 13 each as the Dyip dropped to 5-6./PN
BOX SCORE:
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.
