Magnolia picks up third win, keeps Terrafirma winless 

Magnolia returned to the win column after defeating Terrafirma, 89-84, on Friday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Both squads were tied at 75 with around six minutes remaining in the final frame before the Hotshots made a 7-0 run to pull away. The Hotshots led 87-81 with less than two minutes left before Terrafirma import Brandon Edwards drilled a triple to keep the Dyip's hopes alive. 

Ricardo Ratliffe's layup, however, sealed the win for the Hotshots as they bounced back after their Christmas Day loss against Barangay Ginebra.

"I think they played well, for the last three games they played well. I told the players that this is a matter of who wants it more because their backs are also against the wall, do-or-die situation also for Terrafirma. [It's] another grinding game for us, siguro nandyan na kami eh, 'yan na 'yung tema ng games namin. This time, we closed out the game, we executed well. We were disciplined down the stretch. We found the right guy in the last few seconds of the game," Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero said.

"There is pressure but they are always there to execute on both ends of the floor," he added.

Ratliffe had 32 points, 14 boards, three assists, and a block, while Zav Lucero posted 17 points as he made all 12 of his free throws. Magnolia improved to 3-5.

Stanley Pringle led the Terrafirma locals with 22 points, while Edwards had 14 points as the Dyip remained winless in nine games. Terrence Romeo also made his Terrafirma debut but was limited to three points only in around 13 minutes of action.

Scores:

Magnolia 89 – Ratliffe 32, Lucero 17, Sangalang 13, Lastimosa 11, Dionisio 8, Barroca 4, Alfaro 2, Ahanmisi 2, Balanza 0, Abueva 0, Laput 0, Dela Rosa 0, Mendoza 0.

Terrafirma 84 – Pringle 22, Edwards 14, Ferrer 11, Nonoy 8, Paraiso 7, Manuel 6, Catapusan 5, Romeo 3, Carino 2, Hernandez 0, Melecio 0, Ramos 0.

Quarters: 28-25, 41-40, 68-66, 89-84.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News