Bay Area downs Magnolia to regain top spot

The Bay Area Dragons regained the top of the standings in the 2022 PBA Commissioner's Cup after defeating the Magnolia Hoshots Pambansang Manok, 95-89, on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

The Dragons pulled away in the third period after leading only by three, 47-44, at the end of the first two quarters. Bay Area led by 17, 69-52, with 3:20 left in the third quarter before finishing the frame at 73-64 in their favor.

Magnolia tried to mount a late rally and cut their deficit to just four, 93-89, with 24 ticks left before free throws from Songwei Zhu off an Ian Sangalang foul sealed the win for the Dragons.

Import Myles Powell posted 32 points and 11 rebounds, while Glen Yang and Zhu had 19 and 15 points, respectively, in Bay Area's ninth win in 11 games.

The Bay Area win also spoiled Nicholas Rakocevic's 26 points and 19 rebounds for Magnolia. Jio Jalalon and Paul Lee chipped in 19 and 15 points respectively in the Hotshots' second loss in 10 games.

The Dragons will be back in action on Wednesday against TNT Tropang Giga, while Magnolia will face the Meralco Bolts on November 27.

The scores:

Bay Area 95 – Powell 32, Tang 19, Zhu 15, Ju 8, Liu 8, Reid 6, Blankley 5, Lam 2, Zheng 0.

Magnolia 89 – Rakocevic 26, Jalalon 19, Lee 15, Sangalang 8, Ahanmisi 6, Abueva 4, Dela Rosa 3, Dionisio 3, Wong 3, Barroca 2, Reavis 0, Corpuz 0.

Quarters: 25-21, 47-44, 73-64, 95-89.