PBA: Magnolia staves off Phoenix in Game 2, nears finals

Magnolia wasted a double-digit lead, but restored order just in time to fend off Phoenix Super LPG, 82-78, in Game 2 of their best-of-five semifinals series in the PBA Commissioner's Cup on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

The win sent the Hotshots to a 2-0 series lead and a victory away from clinching a finals berth.

Phoenix rose from the ashes in the second half, overcoming what was once a 16-point deficit to trail by just two before heading to the fourth period, 60-62. The Fuel Masters went on a scoring spree in that frame, outscoring the Hotshots 26 to 19 to pull to within two.

They were able to knot things up at 70-all, following back-to-back baskets from Jason Perkins and import Johnathan Williams. Perkins then notched two buckets in a row to give Phoenix its first taste of the lead at 74-71.

However, Magnolia import Tyler Bey came alive late, issuing a pass that led to a three-point play for James Laput before driving to the paint to give his side a crucial 78-76 cushion with 1:22 left.

Paul Lee then nailed a huge three-pointer in the final 55 seconds to send the Hotshots back up by five. Before that shot, the veteran guard was shooting just 1-of-8 from the field.

That proved to be the dagger for Magnolia despite Williams sinking a last-gasp triple to cut the Phoenix deficit to just three, 81-78, with nine ticks left. Mark Barroca sealed it with a split from the stripe. 

Bey dropped a double-double effort of 25 points and 12 rebounds on top of three blocks, one assist, and one steal while Jio Jalalon starred for the locals with 17 markers, six boards, and three dimes. 

Williams paced the Fuel Masters, doing a little bit of everything with a team-high 27 points alongside 16 rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and one steal while Perkins tallied 17 markers, 13 boards, and four dimes. 

Scores:

Magnolia 82 – Bey 25, Jalalon 17, Dela Rosa 9, Abueva 8, Barroca 8, Laput 7, Lee 6, Reavis 2, Sangalang 0, Dionisio 0, Mendoza 0.

Phoenix 78 – Williams 27, Perkins 17, Tuffin 10, Mocon 7, Jazul 6, Tio 5, Soyud 3, Rivero 2, Manganti 1, Lalata 0, Garcia 0, Alejandro 0, Daves 0, Verano 0, Camacho 0.

Quarters: 30-14, 43-34, 62-60, 82-78.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News