PBA: Magnolia escapes Phoenix to draw first blood in semis

The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots escaped the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters to draw first blood in the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals, 82-79, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Tied at 78 with less than two minutes left, Magnolia reinforcement Tyler Bey completed a three-point play to give the Hotshots the lead after their timeout. A foul by Ian Sangalang on Johnathan Williams brought him to the line where he split his free throws. Bey grabbed the rebound the Mark Barroca missed his attempt before Sangalang went for the ball. Kenneth Tuffin fouled Bey who split his freebies to seal the win for Magnolia as Jason Perkins missed his 3-point attempt before the final buzzer.

Phoenix had the lead at the half, 41-38, before the lead was reclaimed by the Hotshots in the third period.

Bey posted 23 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists, while Paul Lee added 11 points to win Game 1 of the best-of-five series.

Jason Perkins had 25 points, while import Johnathan Williams was limited to 11 points but had 18 rebounds and seven assists.

Game 2 of the best-of-five semis will be played on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Scores:

Magnolia 82 – Bey 23, Lee 11, Barroca 10, Abueva 9, Sangalang 8, Dionisio 8, Jalalon 7, Laput 6, Dela Rosa 0, Tratter 0, Mendoza 0.

Phoenix 79 – Perkins 25, Jazul 13, Mocon 11, Williams 11, Tio 6, Tuffin 5, Garcia 3, Manganti 3, Lalata 2, Verano 0, Rivero 0, Soyud 0, Alejandro 0, Daves 0, Camacho 0.

Quarters: 18-16, 38-41, 61-60, 82-79.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News