PBA: Jerom Lastimosa stars in Magnolia escape vs. Phoenix

Jerom Lastimosa sank two pressure-packed free throws late to seal the win for Magnolia over Phoenix, 83-80, on Friday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Lastimosa finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, and a steal to lead the Hotshots to back-to-back victories.

Magnolia led 81-74 with 2:02 remaining in the fourth quarter, but RR Garcia went on a personal 6-0 run — capped by a layup and a four-point play — to bring Phoenix within one, 81-80, with 38 seconds left.

A foul by Tyler Tio sent Lastimosa to the line, where he calmly drained the game-sealing free throws. The Fuel Masters had a final chance to tie, but Tio missed on their last attempt.

Aside from Lastimosa, Ian Sangalang and Zav Lucero added 11 and 10 points, respectively, as Magnolia improved to 4-1.

Jason Perkins led Phoenix with 19 points, while Sean Manganti chipped in 10, as the Fuel Masters absorbed their third straight loss and fell to 1-4.

Scores:

Magnolia 83 – Lastimosa 14, Sangalang 11, Lucero 10, Lee 9, Dela Rosa 8, Gomez de Liano 8, Koon 5, Laput 4, Escoto 4, Barroca 2, Verano 2, Gomez 0.

Phoenix 80 – Perkins 19, Manganti 10, Garcia 9, Tio 8, Rivero 6, Escandor 6, Ballungay 4, Daves 4, Nelle 3, Kwekuteye 3, Santos 3, Caperal 2, Ando 0, Jazul 0.

Quarters: 22-14, 42-29, 66-54, 83-80.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News