Returning Ratliffe powers Magnolia past Blackwater; Abueva okay after inadvertent hit

Magnolia took down Blackwater, 118-100, as Ricardo Ratliffe made his PBA return in the Commissioner's Cup on Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Ratliffe registered 30 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks to power the Hotshots who led by as much as 23 points, 114-91, before sealing the deal.

The Magnolia reinforcement last played for the franchise seven years ago.

Before claiming the win, however, at around the seventh minute of the second period, Calvin Abueva was stretchered off the court after an inadvertent elbow hit from Sedrick Barefield.

 

 

 

 

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Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero said Abueva is now okay after he was rushed to the hospital.

"Sabi lang sa akin right now he is okay, I think madi-discharge na siya," Victolero said. "Hopefully by our next game sa Sunday, makalaro si Calvin kasi he's a big factor for us."

"We used that para 'yung energy namin tumaas. Sabi ko lang, let's play for Calvin. I think the players responded."

Jerick Ahanmisi had 21 points, while rookie Jerom Lastimosa made his debut and had nine points.

Blackwater import George King's 42-point effort and Barefield's 24-point outing went for naught.

Scores:

Magnolia 118 – Ratliffe 30, Ahanmisi 21, Barroca 15, Lucero 13, Lastimosa 9, Lee 9, Dela Rosa 8, Dionisio 6, Sangalang 3, Abueva 2, Balanza 2, Laput 0, Eriobu 0, Mendoza 0.

Blackwater 100 – King 42, Barefield 24, David 8, Chua 6, Tungcab 4, Kwekuteye 3, Ponferrada 3, Hill 3, Guinto 2, Corteza 2, Montalbo 2, Suerte 1, Ilagan 0, Escoto 0, Jopia 0.

Quarters: 29-27, 50-41, 82-69, 118-100.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News