Magnolia squeaks past TNT, secures twice-to-beat bonus

Playoff-bound Magnolia squeaked past TNT, 88-83, to secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

The Hotshots were leading 83-72 with less than five minutes left before the Tropang 5G made a 7-0 run to trim the deficit. Free throws from Mark Barroca and Zav Lucero then gave Magnolia a seven-point advantage but RR Pogoy hit a four-pointer to give a glimmer of hope for TNT with three seconds left. 

Jordan Heading then fouled Lucero to put the latter on the line where he shot two free throws as Almond Vosotros missed his final four-point attempt.

Lucero led the Hotshots with 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals, and a block, while William Navarro and Barroca had 13 and 11 points, respectively. Rafi Reavis' performance in the final period, however, proved to be crucial as he made four points and grabbed five of his six rebounds in the said period alone.

RR Pogoy, meanwhile, had 18 points, while Calvin Oftana had 15 points for the Tropang 5G.

With the victory, the Hotshots bounced back after back-to-back losses and ended the elimination round with an 8-3 record, while TNT dropped to 6-5.

Scores:

Magnolia 88 – Lucero 24, Navarro 13, Barroca 11, Sangalang 9, Dela Rosa 7, Lee 7, Dionisio 7, Lastimosa 6, Reavis 4, Laput 0, Alfaro 0.

TNT 83 – Oftana 18, Pogoy 15, Erram 12, Heading 12, Williams 10, Khobuntin 7, Aurin 7, Galinato 2, Enciso 0, Variila 0, Vosotros 0, Heruela 0.

Quarters: 21-23, 49-43, 69-66, 88-83.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News