Red-hot Magnolia ousts NLEX, catches last bus to quarterfinals

Magnolia survived yet another do-or-die game after giving NLEX the boot, 112-81, in their playoff for the eighth spot in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday at the Ynares Center Antipolo.

The Hotshots have now extended their winning streak to four to set up a quarterfinals duel against top-seeded and twice-to-beat NorthPort on Thursday. The Road Warriors, meanwhile, saw the end of the road in their campaign. 

"Thankful and very grateful sa lahat ng players and the character of this team, I believe in everyone in this team. This is the time of the conference that we need each other's back and we should stay together," Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero said. 

"They deserve to be in the quarterfinals and we're very happy kasi nakuha pa namin 'yung last trip."

Magnolia pulled away in the second half, breaking a 44-all deadlock at the half by unleashing an 11-0 run capped by a Rome Dela Rosa triple as the Hotshots cruised to a 61-50 lead in the third period. 

Import Ricardo Ratliffe then took over alongside Zav Lucero, whose pair of free throws allowed Magnolia to take a 79-64 lead. NLEX had the chance to trim the gap after Peter Alfaro fouled Xyrus Torres on the four-point area, but the latter made just one of the four freebies as Magnolia carried an 80-67 cushion to the fourth. 

Robert Bolick tried to stage a fightback, but the veteran guard had no ample help with Mike Watkins being defended well. 

Ratliffe put the punctuation by scoring 14 of his overall output in the fourth period, including two straight baskets that gave them a 96-75 cushion before Paul Lee hit a dagger triple with still three minutes to go. 

The Magnolia import led the offense with 32 points together with 14 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks while also getting enough help from the locals as Lucero churned out 14 markers. Ian Sangalang and Dela Rosa each chipped in 13 markers. 

Bolick paced NLEX with 27 points laced with six assists, and two boards, while Javee Mocon added 13 markers. 

Scores:

Magnolia 112 – Ratliffe 32, Lucero 14, Dela Rosa 13, Sangalang 13, Barroca 11, Abueva 8, Dionisio 8, Lastimosa 5, Lee 4, Balanza 4, Alfaro 0, Laput 0, Eriobu 0.

NLEX 81 – Bolick 27, Mocon 13, Alas 12, Watkins 10, Torres 10, Semerad 5, Nieto 2, Policarpio 2, Ramirez 0, Rodger 0, Herndon 0.

Quarters: 21-21, 44-44, 80-67, 112-81.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News