MANILA, Philippines – Magnolia has not missed the playoffs since Chito Victolero took over the coaching reins.
And the Hotshots steered clear of seeing that streak end as they stayed in contention in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup after a 110-104 win over Phoenix at the PhilSports Arena on Thursday, January 16.
Zavier Lucero hit some big shots in the fourth quarter and finished with 25 points and 5 rebounds as Magnolia improved to 4-6 and climbed to ninth place, just outside the playoff picture.
“We’ll grab whatever chance we have,” said Victolero in Filipino after being informed about his playoff streak, which started when he joined the Hotshots before the 2016-2017 season.
“The important thing is how we’re going to survive these next two games.”
Lucero poured 12 points in the final frame, including back-to-back three-pointers from the left corner that gave Magnolia a 105-91 lead, which proved enough to hold off the Fuel Masters’ comeback.
Phoenix got within 104-108 off a Jason Perkins bucket with under 40 seconds remaining and forced a Hotshots miss in the ensuing possession to get a crack at the equalizer but failed to execute in the dying seconds.
Mark Barroca, who finished with 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, sealed the win for Magnolia by sinking a pair of free throws.
Import Ricardo Ratliffe also produced 22 points with 19 rebounds and 2 blocks as the Hotshots delivered with franchise icon Marc Pingris — one of the 40 Greatest PBA Players — in attendance.
Magnolia also drew a steady performance from rookie Peter Alfaro, who turned in a flawless outing to fill in the void left by injured star guard Paul Lee (meniscus).
Fielded for 20 minutes, Alfaro put up 14 points on 5-of-5 shooting and added 4 assists and 3 rebounds without a turnover.
The loss put to waste a 40-point explosion by Phoenix import Donovan Smith, who shot 14-of-21 from the field and 4-of-5 from four-point distance.
Perkins and RJ Jazul both had 15 points for the Fuel Masters, who fell short of a third straight win and dropped to 3-6.
The Scores
Magnolia 110 – Lucero 25, Ratliffe 22, Barroca 22, Alfaro 14, Abueva 6, Lastimosa 6, Dionisio 5, Eriobu 5, Sangalang 4, Dela Rosa 1, Balanza 0, Mendoza 0, Reavis 0.
Phoenix 104 – Smith 40, Jazul 15, Perkins 15, Ballungay 13, Rivero 6, Tio 5, Manganti 4, Muyang 2, Tuffin 2, Verano 2, Garcia 0, Alejandro 0, Camacho 0, Daves 0, Salado 0, Ular 0.
Quarters : 29-34, 50-50, 83-76, 110-104.
– Rappler.com