Zav Lucero and the rest of Magnolia have kept their heads above water in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
Magnolia did not need much motivation entering the new year.
Struggling in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup, the Hotshots knew every game is a do-or-die one at this point.
That’s why they went all in in dealing beleaguered Terrafirma an 89-84 decision at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday, Jan. 10.
Among those who just left it all on the floor was Zavier Lucero, who finished with 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. He was a perfect 12-for-12 from the free throw line.
His two freebies with 1:54 left — a riposte against Brent Paraiso’s booming three in the previous play — gave Magnolia an 87-81 lead they held on to the finish.
“I don’t think we needed any more fuel. Everyone saw how our games have turned out,” said Lucero, whose team spoiled Terrence Romeo’s debut with the Dyip.
“It’s kind of just we got to win games. No more fueling that. You win or you go home.”
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Just as motivated were import Ricardo Ratliffe, who threw his weight around with 32 big points and 14 rebounds.
He also had three assists and a block in the win that gave the Hotshots a ray of light entering the final stretch of the elimination round.
Ian Sangalang put up 13 points and seven rebounds, while Jerom Lastimosa added 11 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks.
“They played well the last three games. I told the players that this is a matter of who wants it more,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.
“It’s another grinding game for us. Siguro, 'yan na 'yung tema ng mga games namin, always close games.”
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Meanwhile, Stanley Pringle paced Terrafirma with 22 points, five rebound, and two assists.
Brandon Edwards had 14 points and eight boards, while Kevin Ferrer added 11 points for the Dyip, who is still yet come out triumphant in nine games.
The Scores:
MAGNOLIA 89 – Ratliffe 32, Lucero 17, Sangalang 13, Lastimosa 11, Dionisio 8, Barroca 4, Alfaro 2, Ahanmisi 2, Balanza 0, Abueva 0, Laput 0, Dela Rosa 0, Mendoza 0.
TERRAFIRMA 84 – Pringle 22, Edwards 14, Ferrer 11, Nonoy 8, Paraiso 7, Manuel 6, Catapusan 5, Romeo 3, Carino 2, Hernandez 0, Melecio 0, Ramos 0.
Quarterscores: 28-25, 41-40, 68-66, 89-84