Zavier Lucero hit some big shots at endgame in the Magnolia Hotshots' nip-and-tuck contest with the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
In the battle between young, athletic forwards, Magnolia’s Zavier Lucero had the last laugh.
This after Lucero's Hotshots outlasted Kai Ballungay’s Phoenix, 110-104 in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Thursday, Jan. 16.
Lucero emerged as the Player of the Game after hitting big shots in the fourth period, including back-to-back triples as well as the two free throws that gave Magnolia a 108-102 lead with under two minutes left.
He bested Ballungay, who almost singlehandedly willed the Fuel Masters after being down 11 points.
Lucero finished with 25 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Magnolia coach Chito Victolero, who is still missing the services of injured Paul Lee, was pleased.
“We needed somebody to step up not only in points but also in doing the little things. This guy, he’s [made an] impact in the game,” Victolero said, pointing to Lucero during the post-game press conference.
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Victolero was also quick to add that team effort was the answer for the Hotshots, whose playoffs window just got a little wider after improving their record to 4-6.
Barroca had another stellar outing with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists. He completely shut the door on the Fuel Masters with two shots from the stripe.
Import Ricardo Ratliffe put up 22 points, 19 rebounds, three assists and two blocks in the presence of former Star Hotshots teammate and Magnolia legend Marc Pingris.
“It’s overall a team effort. Talagang kinausap ko sila before the game [na] do-or-die situation ito. We cannot afford to lose,” Victolero said.
Ballungay scored eight in an 11-1 blitz that helped Phoenix inch closer, 106-102. But Magnolia proved composed in the endgame on its way to the much-needed win.
Ballungay ended up with 13 points and five rebounds for the Fuel Masters, who now tote a 3-6 slate.
Reinforcement Donovan Smith topscored for Phenix with 40 points he embellished with six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block but did little in the final stretch.
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.
Quarterscores: 29-34, 50-50, 83-76, 110-104