Hotshots hold off Blackwater late in the game

Jio Jalalon of Magnolia goes for a layup against Blackwater during their game in the 43rd PBA Philippine Cup in MOA Arena on Friday. PHOTO BY KC Cruz

The Magnolia Hotshots held the Blackwater Elite scoreless in the final 67 seconds of the game for a 78-72 victory on Friday at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

The Hotshots raced to a 23-12 lead at the end of the first period, but the Elite chipped away at the lead, as Mac Belo rung in a jumper with 1:07 remaining to tie the game at 72-all.

But off a timeout, it was all Magnolia in the dying seconds, as Ian Sangalang, Jio Jalalon, and Justin Melton took turns with their clutch conversions to give the Hotshots the victory.

Magnolia led by as many as 18 at one points, thanks to Aldrech Ramos and Mark Barroca chipping in 14 points apiece.

Ian Sangalang and Justin Melton also had eight points each off the bench, while PJ Simon, Jio Jalalon, and Rome Dela Rosa tallied six points each.

Mac Belo paced Blackwater off the bench with 25 points in 25 minutes on the floor, while Allen Maliksi led the starters with 17 markers.

Mike Cortez and Poy Erram combined for 14 points, but no other Elite player scored more than four points. — BAP, GMA News