Paul Lee hits clutch 4-point play as Magnolia edges NLEX

Paul Lee hit a clutch four-point play with 32 seconds left to help Magnolia fend off NLEX, 103-100, in the elimination round of the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday.

Chris Banchero and Jio Jalalon led the way for the Hotshots with 19 points apiece, while Lee added 18.

Kiefer Ravena carried the Road Warriors on his back with 27 points, as key players JR Quinahan, Kevin Alas, and Tony Semerad all fouled out while Jericho Cruz hurt his ankle.

NLEX led by as many as 22 points as Magnolia showed signs of rust after a dismal 16-point output in the second quarter.

The Hotshots started rallying in the final period, tying the game at 80-all with less than nine minutes left thanks to a Banchero layup.

A five-point swing from Jalalon then gave them an 87-84 edge and the momentum heading into clutch time, stretching their lead to 95-89.

The Road Warriors went on their own run to force another deadlock at 97-all and snatched the lead with Ravena jumper.

Ayonayon then split from the line to give NLEX a three-point cushion, but Lee saved the day for Magnolia with a crucial shot from the top of the key to tie and nailed the foul shot for the lead.

An exhausted Ravena tried to answer back but his shot missed, while Barroca was fouled on the other end and hit two charities to extend the margin to three.

Ravena tried again at the buzzer but could not cash in the trey for NLEX.

Magnolia, which now holds a 1-1 card, will play Alaska while NLEX, which fell to 0-2, will face Blackwater on Saturday.

Box score:

Magnolia 103 — Jalalon 19, Banchero 19, Lee 18, Barroca 13, Sangalang 9, Corpuz 9, Dionisio 8, Reavis 4, Dela Rosa 4, Melton 0, Calisaan 0.

NLEX 100 — Ravena 27, Alas 18, Cruz 17, Quinahan 16, Porter 5, Ayonayon 5, Semerad 5, Soyud 4, Ighalo 3, Miranda 0, Varilla 0, Galanza 0, Taulava 0.

—MGP, GMA News