PBA: Magnolia squeaks past San Miguel to book quarterfinals slot

The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots clinched a spot in the quarterfinals of the PBA Commissioner's Cup after winning over the San Miguel Beermen, 94-90, on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

The Hotshots were leading by 10, 90-80, with less than three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter before the Beermen had an 8-0 run with a layup from Ivan Aska and triples from Chris Ross and Jericho Cruz.

Freebies from Aris Dionisio with ten seconds left gave Magnolia a 92-88 lead before Aska scored and cut the Beermen's deficit. Free throws again from Dionisio sealed the deal for the Hotshots.

Magnolia import Tyler Bey had 31 points and 21 rebounds, while James Laput led the locals with 14 points, seven rebounds, and three assists as the Hotshots extended their winning streak to seven. The Hotshots' 7-0 start equalled the previous 7-0 record of TNT in the 2019 Governors' Cup and handed them the best start in a conference of the franchise.

Aska had 29 points, while Jericho Cruz had 16 points as SMB slipped to 3-3.

Scores:

Magnolia 94 – Bey 31, Laput 14, Jalalon 11, Barroca 10, Dionisio 10, Dela Rosa 6, Sangalang 4, Ahanmisi 3, Lee 2, Reavis 2, Tratter 1, Mendoza 0.

SMB 90 – Aska 29, Cruz 16, Tautuaa 12, Lassiter 9, Brondial 9, Ross 7, Perez 4, Mallilin 2, Bulanadi 2.

Quarters: 17-19, 44-39, 68-67, 94-90.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News