Zav Lucero, Peter Alfaro shine as Magnolia escapes Phoenix

Zav Lucero and Peter Alfaro shone as Magnolia escaped Phoenix, 110-104, on Thursday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Philsports Arena.

With Paul Lee still out due to injury, Lucero had 25 points, while Peter Alfaro had 14 points as the Hotshots improved to 4-6.

Magnolia led by as much as 14 points, 81-67, late in the third period before the Fuel Masters made a 9-2 run to trim the deficit, 83-76, by the end of the said frame. RJ Jazul and Jason Perkins inched closer, 85-81, early in the fourth period but Magnolia made its own 8-0 run to widen the gap.

Kai Ballungay and Jason Perkins tried to salvage the game for Phoenix, but Lucero's free throws with less than two minutes put the Hotshots ahead, 108-102. Jason Perkins's jumper gave another chance for the Fuel Masters, but his foul on Barocca after Balungay missed his attempt for a triple put the Magnolia veteran on the line where he sank two as Magnolia clinched the victory.

Alfaro stepped up early for the Hotshots with eight points of his total made in the first quarter alone. Both teams were tied at 50 after the first half. 

For Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero, Lucero and Alfaro were two of those who stepped up for the Hotshots.

"We tried to find guys that can fill up the shoes [of] Paul Lee. We had a hard time scoring, especially in our last game. We need somebody to step up not only in points, but also in doing the little things and this guy Zavier is an impact [player] in the game. Also Peter Afaro, he deserves to be the Best Player because he's coming from the reserved [list] but he has a heart of a lion because he's from San Beda, that's why siguro malaking factor 'yun because he's a member of a champion team," Victolero said, adding that Mark Barroca, Ian Sangalang, Rome dela Rosa and Calvin Abueva also helped.

"Before we prepared for this game, kinausap ko sila, we're in a do-or-die situation, we could not afford to lose. At least now we're looking forward for another day," Victolero added.

Aside from Lucero and Alfaro, Barroca and Ratliffe added 22 points apiece.

The win spoiled Donovan Smith's 40-point eruption for Phoenix which slipped to 3-6. RJ Jazul and Jason Perkins added 15 points apiece, while Ballungay had 13 points.

Scores:

Magnolia 110 – Lucero 25, Ratliffe 22, Barroca 22, Alfaro 14, Abueva 6, Lastimosa 6, Dionisio 5, Eriobu 5, Sangalang 4, Dela Rosa 1, Balanza 0, Mendoza 0, Reavis 0.

Phoenix 104 – Smith 40, Jazul 15, Perkins 15, Ballungay 13, Rivero 6, Tio 5, Manganti 4, Muyang 2, Tuffin 2, Verano 2, Garcia 0, Alejandro 0, Camacho 0, Daves 0, Salado 0, Ular 0.

Quarters: 29-34, 50-50, 83-76, 110-104.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News