In a showdown between hefty imports with a playoff spot at stake, Magnolia’s Ricardo Ratliffe outmuscled NLEX counterpart Mike Watkins to secure the win.
There was some excitement brewing as Magnolia's Ricardo Ratliffe and NLEX's Mike Watkins were set to collide in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
But what was expected to be an explosive faceoff ended up a dud, with Ratliffe simply besting his counterpart.
The Magnolia import was getting it done from almost everywhere, finishing with 32 points to fuel the team’s 112-81 win over NLEX for the final playoff berth Sunday, Feb. 2.
[RELATED STORY: Ricardo Ratliffe thankful for Magnolia's belief despite rough start: 'They stuck with me']
At the end of the match at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Ratliffe admitted coming in well-prepared for the showdown.
That meant he watched a lot of Watkins’ films, studied his moves and tendencies and cooked up a plan to prevent him from delivering another solid 20-20 performance.
Watkins was far from his beastly self, winding up with a measly 10 points and 14 rebounds. But he had a game-high four blocks.
“It takes a lot of focus defending a guy like that. You've just got to stay locked in,” said Ratliffe, who also had 14 rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
NLEX Road Warriors import Mike Watkins | Photo (c) PBA Images
While acknowledging Ratliffe’s effort, Magnolia coach Chito Victolero was also quick to laud the rest of the team for getting the job done on defense in the final two quarters.
After all, that was where the Hotshots slowly broke away.
As its defense showed its teeth, Magnolia outscored the Road Warriors, 68-37, in the second half.
“We’re so tentative in the first half… But I told them to stick to our strength which is our defense. We want them (NLEX) to have a hard time executing their offense,” said Victolero.
[WATCH: Mr. Long Bomb, Kobe ng Pinas as pro players? PBA coaches give tips | OS Quick Run]
The Hotshots will bank on their momentum to disarm top-seeded NorthPort in the quarterfinals. The Batang Pier boast of a twice-to-beat advantage.
The match is set Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate.
The Scores:
MAGNOLIA 112 – Ratliffe 32, Lucero 14, Dela Rosa 13, Sangalang 13, Barroca 11, Abueva 8, Dionisio 8, Lastimosa 5, Lee 4, Balanza 4, Alfaro 0, Laput 0, Eriobu 0.
NLEX 81 – Bolick 27, Mocon 13, Alas 12, Watkins 10, Torres 10, Semerad 5, Nieto 2, Policarpio 2, Ramirez 0, Rodger 0, Herndon 0.
Quarterscores: 21-21, 44-44, 80-67, 112-81