The Magnolia Hotshots are still in the thick of battle for a quarterfinal seat in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.
Magnolia got down to business early and never let up to demolish Eastern, 107-78, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup at the Ynares Center Antipolo Sunday, Jan. 26.
Ricardo Ratliffe caught fire early, pouring 16 points in the first half to give the Hotshots a huge 23-point advantage, 46-23, in the second quarter it never relinquished.
Magnolia forced a three-way logjam at eighth spot with NLEX and San Miguel with their similar 5-6 slates.
Eastern, already qualified for the quarters, slipped to 7-4 for joint fifth with Brgy. Ginebra.
Magnolia takes on Meralco on Friday, Jan. 31, while Eastern tangles with the Road Warriors on Wednesday, Jan. 29, for their respective final assignments in the elimination round.