Ravena, Mallari lift NLEX past Magnolia in series opener

Alex Mallari nailed a wide open triple with 14.4 seconds remaining, while Kiefer Ravena nailed crucial charities in the endgame as the NLEX Road Warriors secured an 88-87 victory over the Magnolia Hotshots in Game 1 of the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at the Araneta Coliseum.

Cyrus Baguio paced NLEX in scoring with 17 points off the bench, while Ravena and Mallari combined for 30 as starters. Raul Soyud rounded up the scorers in double figures with 10.

The two teams were tied entering the final two minutes, before Kiefer Ravena nudged NLEX ahead with a split on the line, 81-80.

Paul Lee then found a streaking Ian Sangalang for a layup, before Ravena again capitalized on Magnolia’s early penalty, this time sinking two.

With Marc Pingris getting wheeled off late in the game with a knee injury, Magnolia went to Sangalang anew, as Ravena missed a long triple to give the Hotshots possession.

Mark Barroca missed a banker before Ravena found Mallari for an open triple to give the Road Warriors an 86-84 lead with 14 seconds remaining.

Magnolia coach Chito Victolero called for time, setting up the game-tying or game-winning play.

Paul Lee, however, failed to nail his three-pointer and Ravena grabbed the all-important rebound before securing charities.

Lee made it interesting, nailing a triple at the other end, but Magnolia couldn’t complete a steal in the next possession, giving NLEX the win.

Magnolia’s starters struggled in the game, leaving Sangalang and PJ Simon to carry their squad.

The two scored 21 and 20 points, respectively, while combining for 14 rebounds. —NB, GMA News