Rakocevic posts 26-28 to keep Magnolia on top at San Miguel's expense

Import Nicholas Rakocevic posted 26 points and 28 rebounds to tow the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok past San Miguel Beermen, 85-80, on Wednesday in the 2022 PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Magnolia was leading 77-76 with 1:54 left in the game before Paul Lee shot back-to-back triples to extend their lead, 83-76. The Beermen then shot back-to-back from Vic Manuel and CJ Perez to cut their deficit before Paul Lee sank his free throws which sealed the win.

Lee led the locals with 14 points while Ian Sangalang and Mark Barroca had 12 points each.

SMB import Devon Scott posted 19 points and 17 rebounds while Marcio Lassiter, Perez, and Manuel added 16 points each.

Both Magnolia and San Miguel will be back on Saturday, with the Beermen going against Phoenix, while the Hotshots will face Bay Area Dragons.

The scores:

Magnolia 85 – Rakocevic 26, Lee 14, Sangalang 12, Barroca 12, Jalalon 6, Abueva 5, Wong 4, Dela Rosa 2, Corpuz 2, Ahanmisi 2, Laput 0, Dionisio 0.

SMB 80 – Scott 19, Lassiter 16, Perez 16, Manuel 16, Tautuaa 6, Ross 3, Herndon 2, Brondial 2, Enciso 0, Cruz 0.

Quarters: 23-25, 37-37, 65-60, 85-80.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News