PBA: Magnolia survives Bol Bol's 53, TNT's fightback to boost playoff push

Magnolia weathered a dominant outing from Bol Bol and a furious TNT rally to escape with a 106-94 victory in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Hotshots saw their early 20-point cushion shrink to just two late in the third quarter, but capitalized on TNT’s cold shooting and an exhausted Bol in the final period to pull away for a 12-point victory that strengthened their playoff hopes.

Clint Chapman sparked an early Magnolia rampage to finish with 42 points, 14 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks while Mark Barroca and Zav Lucero chipped in 15 and 13 markers, respectively. Barroca also had 12 assists to finish with a double-double outing.

The collective effort from Magnolia spoiled a PBA career-high from Bol, who detonated for 53 points on 23-of-40 shooting from the field while also grabbing 13 rebounds, five blocks, and one assist.

The win moves Magnolia into a two-way tie for sixth place with TNT, as both teams now carry a 6–5 record.

"We've been really praying to catch an elite team and we haven't been playing and beating big teams. So I motivated the team and I want to give credit also to not only Clint (Chapman)," Magnolia head coach LA Tenorio said.

"He knows the importance of every game now, he's a vet. That's why we got him because we know that he can show up on the big stage."

Proving Tenorio right, Chapman came out with a clear sense of urgency after pouring in 29 points in the first half alone. His early scoring outburst helped the Hotshots surge to a lead as big as 35-15 and establish a commanding 59-40 cushion at halftime.

But defending champion TNT restored order when Glenn Khobuntin drilled a triple to cap a 17–4 run, pulling his side within two, 72–74.

Magnolia answered by rebuilding a double-digit cushion, but Bol countered with back-to-back baskets to cut the deficit to single digits again, 81–88.

TNT then gambled by going exclusively to Bol in the next few possessions, and the former NBA standout helped trim the gap to 90–99. However, Mark Barroca responded with a corner three over him, ultimately sealing the game as Magnolia pushed the lead back to 102–90 with 3:01 remaining.

Bol, who was frustratied midway through the second period, ripping his jersey off, received limited local support as only Calvin Oftana managed to reach double figures with 18 points.

Jordan Heading and Rey Nambatac were both scoreless while RR Pogoy was held to just three points throughout the game.

—JMB, GMA News