PBA: Magnolia downs Converge, clinches quarters bonus

The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots clinched a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals as they took down the Converge FiberXers, 88-80, on Saturday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Converge was leading 62-60 at the end of the third quarter before the Hotshots pulled away in the fourth period with a 14-0 run. Magnolia had the lead, 79-65, with 6:53 remaining, before claiming their 10th win in nine games.

Tyler Bey posted 27 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists, while Jio Jalalon had 16 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists for the Hotshots. Calvin Abueva, meanwhile, had seven boards and six points in his first game for the season.

Jamil Wilson had 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Alec Stockton led the locals with 16 points as the FiberXers slipped to 1-8.

Earlier, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (4-5) extended its winning streak to four after beating the Terrafirma Dyip (2-7), 116-105. 

The PBA will return on Christmas Day as the San Miguel Beermen take on the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters at 4 p.m., while Barangay Ginebra San Miguel will face the TNT Tropang Giga at 6:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News