Magnolia downs Blackwater, sets up QF duel with NLEX

The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots took down the Blackwater Bossing, 75-66, on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to end their 2022 PBA Philippine Cup elimination round campaign on a seven-game winning streak.

After the two teams tied at 49 at the end of the third period, the Hotshots relied on a fourth quarter storm as it outscored the Bossing, 26-17.

Paul Lee waxed hot from beyond the arc with five triples for his 22-point output. Calvin Abueva had 15 points, making him the only other player to score in double digits.

For Blackwater, only Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser scored in double digits with 12 points.

With the win, Magnolia secured the third seed and set up a quarterfinals duel with the NLEX Road Warriors in a best-of-three series. Magnolia and NLEX will open the playoffs round on Sunday, while Barangay Ginebra and Meralco will follow the said game.

TNT will face the Converge Fiberxers, while the San Miguel Beermen will go against Blackwater on Wednesday. Both TNT and SMB will have twice-to-beat bonuses.

The scores:

Magnolia 75 – Lee 22, Abueva 15, Sangalang 8, Dionisio 7, Corpuz 7,  Jalalon 4, Barroca 4, Wong 4, Ahanmisi 2, Dela Rosa 2, Reavis 0.

Blackwater 66 – Ganuelas-Rosser 12, Suerte 8, Casio 7, Escoto 7, Ular 6, Amer 6, McCarthy 5, Dyke 5, Ayonayon 5, Melton 2, Go 2, Publico 1, Ebona 0.

Quarters: 13-15, 27-32, 49-49, 75-66.

—JMB, GMA News