Magnolia secures twice-to-beat bonus with comeback win vs Rain or Shine

Magnolia locked up its twice-to-beat playoff incentive after battling back from a double-digit deficit en route to a 106-90 win over Rain or Shine in the 2022 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Friday. 

Magnolia ended the elimination round as the number two seed at 10-2 and will carry an advantage ahead of its quarterfinal meeting with Phoenix Super LPG. Rain or Shine (5-7), meanwhile, was relegated to a knockout match against NLEX for the last QF ticket. 

Down by as much as 11 after a marathon first three quarters, the Hotshots stepped on the gas in the fourth with a Jio Jalalon jumper tying the game at 77-all early in the frame. 

Ian Sangalang then notched back-to-back baskets that kicked off a 14-2 rampage, allowing Magnolia to extend its lead to 12, 97-85, halfway through the final period. 

Andrei Caracut tried to rally the Elasto Painters, nailing a triple to make it a single digit deficit, 97-88, but Mark Barroca's four straight points proved crucial as Magnolia completed the win. 

Magnolia import Nicholas Rakocevic led the Hotshots with 21 points and 13 rebounds while Sangalang came off the bench to pour in 16 markers, seven boards, and one block. 

Paul Lee chipped in 16 while both Calvin Abueva and Barroca chimed in with 12 apiece.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News