Magnolia survives scorching Castro, Williams to tie semis series with TNT

Magnolia avoided sinking to a 0-2 hole as it turned back defending champion TNT, 92-88, in Game 2 of their best-of-seven semifinals series in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Hotshots equalized the series at 1-1 after surviving the hot hands of veteran Jayson Castro and Mikey Williams late in the game.

Mark Barroca steadied the ship for Magnolia, finishing with 22 points five rebounds, three steals, and two assists while Ian Sangalang chipped in 20.

Magnolia led by 15 late in the second period before holding a 39-29 cushion at the half, limiting the offensive minded TNT to just 13 field goals made in the first two quarters.

Williams, who produced only three points in the first half, then unleashed 11 points in the third, including a triple that chopped down their deficit to just six, 50-56.

But Magnolia quickly answered with a 13-8 closing rampage capped by a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Calvin Abueva, 69-58.

Castro tried to single-handedly rally TNT in the fourth, firing four triples as the Tropang Giga went closer by 10 points, 71-81, with 5:41 left, before Williams knocked down back-to-back three-pointers of his own for an 84-88 spread.

Kelly Williams shot a huge triple to make it 88-90 and then TNT stole the leather for another opportunity for a basket, but RR Pogoy was whistled for a step on the line.

Barroca and Abueva then split their charities to seal the win.

—MGP, GMA news