Game 2 is set on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Magnolia Hotshots did just enough down the stretch and drew first blood against the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 82-79, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals Wednesday at the Big Dome.
Tyler Bey churned out 23 points, including the last four points for the Hotshots to seal Game 1 of the best-of-five series.
As good as the Hotshots import was, Phoenix had the chance to force another game into overtime as Bey split his shots from the foul line with 3.8 ticks remaining. Fortunately for Magnolia, Jason Perkins’ last-ditch trey was short.
Paul Lee chimed in 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists, Mark Barroca scored 10 points, while Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang combined for 17 points and 13 rebounds for the top-ranked Hotshots, who beat the Fuel Masters for the ninth straight time dating back to 2021.
After the match, Magnolia coach Chito Victolero attributed the win to defense.
“Good thing we were solid and lucky on our defense, that’s why the breaks of the game napunta sa’min,” Victolero said.
Early in the fourth period, the Hotshots threatened to pull away after Abueva hit a triple and Barroca followed it up with a floater off a spin on the break, 72-67.
But the Fuel Masters were quick to regain steam and tied it all up at 78-all on a Jo Williams three-point play inside the final two minutes.
That would be the only field goal for Phoenix from there save for a free throw from the lanky reinforcement, who struggled all game long with 11 points on 4-of-11 shooting clip. He had 18 rebounds though, on top of seven assists and two blocks.
RJ Jazul had 13 points for the no. 4 Fuel Masters.