The Magnolia Hotshots will play either Rain or Shine or NLEX in the playoff for the No. 8 spot in the quarters in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.
There’s little to no room for error for Magnolia at this point.
So the Hotshots played their best game yet in crushing Meralco, 129-92, to stay afloat in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Friday, Jan. 31.
For his wards’ effort and resolve in the crucial dub, Chito Victolero was one proud mentor.
“Very proud. Thankful. Na-appreciate ko lahat ng effort ng players ko because talagang tinatrabaho nila sa practice… Deserve nila na [mapunta] dito sa situwasyong ito,” said Victolero after the match at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
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Ricardo Ratliffe put up a sterling game of 31 points and 19 rebounds as the Hotshots improved to 6-6. The reinforcement also had four assists and two blocks.
Zavier Lucero added 22 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Ian Sangalang and Mark Barroca chimed in 18 points each.
With their season on the line, the Hotshots went out with guns ablaze and outscored the Bolts, 73-47, at halftime.
Magnolia never eased its foot on the gas pedal from there.
“We’ve been to pressure-packed games the last three games because of our discipline and execution. I think we have a good chance. Itong chance na ibinibigay sa'min, gina-grab lang namin,” Victolero said.
Raymond Almazan paced Meralco with 23 points, while CJ Cansino added 11 points, two rebounds and three assists.
Aaron Black and Brandon Bates combined for 17 markers for the Bolts, who will face playoff rival Ginebra in the best-of-three quarterfinals.
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Magnolia will either play Rain or Shine or NLEX in the playoff for the last slot in the next round.
The game is set at 7:30 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“Hopefully, we can survive on Sunday,” said Victolero.”
The Scores:
MAGNOLIA 129 – Ratliffe 31, Lucero 22, Sangalang 18, Barroca 18, Abueva 14, Lee 7, Dionisio 7, Lastimosa 6, Alfaro 2, Dela Rosa 2, Laput 2, Eriobu 0, Balanza 0.
MERALCO 92 – Almazan23, Cansino 11, Black 9, Bates 8, Quinto 7, Banchero 6, Reyson 5, Torres 5, Rios 5, Mendoza 4, Caram 4, Pasaol 3, Newsome 2, Hodge 0.
Quarterscores: 35-28, 73-47, 101-75, 129-92