MANILA, Philippines — For 48 minutes, Magnolia tried to shake off Blackwater last night before escaping with a 78-72 victory that stretched its win streak to five in the PBA Philippine Cup.
“It was a very tough game,” Magnolia coach Chito Victolero admitted inside the press room of the Mall of Asia Arena.
With a 6-1 record, Magnolia moved on top of the standings, and may have clinched a slot in the quarterfinals where the top four teams will gain a twice-to-beat edge.
The Hotshots came in as the favorites, having won their four previous games. On the other hand, the Elite have lost three in a row, four including this one.
Magnolia trailed early, 4-0, but then easily regained control, racing to a 19-9 lead and then to its biggest advantage at 52-34 early in the second half.
But the Hotshots fell complacent, thinking that victory was in the bag. The Elite took advantage of the situation and cut the lead to 61-56 early in the final quarter.
Victolero, who has a battery of assisitants on the bench and behind it, pushed the panic button, and yet the Elite pressed harder, tying the game at 72 with a 14-2 run, under two minutes left.
In the other game, Rain or Shine shrugged off reports of player disenchantment by beating Meralco, 90-84.
“There’s this issue but I just told my players to be professional about it. I’m just happy today that they played hard,” said coach Caloy Garcia amid reports that a couple of players, Jericho Cruz and Raymond Almazan, are seeking to be traded.
The scores:
First Game
Magnolia 78 – Ramos 14, Barroca 14, Melton 8, Sangalang 8, Pascual 7, Jalalon 6, Simon 6, Dela Rosa 6, Pingris 4, Herndon 3, Reavis 2, Gamalinda 0, Brondial 0.
Blackwater 72 – Belo 25, Maliksi 17, Cortez 8, Erram 6, Jose 4, Pinto 3, DiGregorio 2, Marcelo 2, Sena 2, Sumang 2, Palma 1, Cruz 0, Javier 0.
Quarterscores: 23-13, 42-29, 61-54, 78-72
Second Game
Rain or Shine 90 – Tiu 18, Daquioag 16, Belga 13, Yap 11, Ahanmisi 9, Ponferada 6, Almazan 6, Borboran 4, Norwood 3, Cruz 2, Nambatac 2.
Meralco 84 – Canaleta 24, Hugnatan 13, Amer 8, Lanete 8, Dillinger 7, Newsome 5, Hodge 4, Caram 4, Baracel 4, Faundo 4, Tolomia 3, Salva 0.
Quarterscores: 26-21; 45-39; 65-66; 90-84
