PBL: Magnolia rallies to beat Bacchus, 75-72

MANILA, Philippines – Magnolia Purewater rallied from several 14-point deficits then leaned on JP Alcaraz’ late-game heroics to pull off a 75-72 win over Bacchus in the 2009 Philippine Basketball League (PBL) PG Flex Linoleum Cup at the Emilio Aguinaldo College Gym in UN Avenue. An Alcaraz steal and two charities sealed the Wizards’ sixth win in seven games to keep in stride with league-leading and five-time champion Harbour Centre’s clean 6-0 slate. Alcaraz scattered 11 points to help support Al Magpayo’s 16 markers and the 14 made by Dylan Ababou while Neil Rañeses contributed 10 more for the Koy Banal mentored Magnolia five. The Wizards started slow and trailed by 14 points early in the fourth period but recovered just in time thanks to Leo Losentes’ outside shooting. It was Losentes who ignited Magnolia’s comeback scoring all of his seven points in a telling 14-2 blitz to turn things into their favor. “We started slow but good thing we were able to recover in the final half. I hope this win would prepare us for a tougher game," said Banal. The Energy Warriors managed to tie the count at 70-all but five straight free throws – three by Eder Saldua and two from Alcaraz – sealed Magnolia’s come-from-behind win. Bacchus was led by Patrick Cabahug’s game-high 26 markers while Paul Lee and Pari Llagas chipped in 15 and 10 points. - GMANews.TV Standings W L Harbour 6 0 Magnolia 6 1 Toyota Otis 3 3 Hapee 3 3 Burger King 2 4 Bacchus 2 5 Pharex 0 6 Games Tuesday (Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City) 2pm – Bacchus vs BK Stunners 4pm – Harbour vs Magnolia