Magnolia avoids meltdown

Game Today (Cuneta Astrodome) 5 p.m. – Ginebra vs NLEX

The shorthanded Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok survived a Mac Belo-led rally by the Blackwater Elite in the fourth quarter to escape with a 78-72 victory last night and claim the solo lead in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Magnolia, which played minus Paul Lee because of a sprained ankle, cruised to an 18-point lead, 52-34, in the third quarter when Blackwater came back behind Belo’s 14 points in the fourth to tie the count at 72-all with 1:30 remaining in the game.

But Ian Sangalang answered with the go-ahead basket for 74-72 Magnolia, leading to an unbelievable finish that saw Belo turn from hero to goat.

Belo committed a backcourt violation behind Sangalang’s defense, but had another shot at redemption when was on the verge of scoring a game-tying layup off a steal by teammate Mike DiGregorio.

He opted instead to go for a drop pass intended for John Pinto, who blew the layup with an awkward-looking attempt underneath, allowing Magnolia to seal the win with four free throws in the final 15 seconds.

“A win is a win,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero. “But we need to improve siguro yung execution namin sa dulo, especially pag lamang kami. Medyo nagre-relax kami eh.”

Ex-FEU teammates Aldrech Ramos and Mark Barroca scored 14 points apiece for the Hotshots, who overtake the defending champion San Miguel Beermen for the top spot with a 6-1 record.

Incidentally, Magnolia takes on San Miguel tomorrow night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The Hotshots are not sure if Lee will be back in harness after opting to rest his ankle which he twisted in last weekend’s victory over TNT KaTropa.

Belo finished with 25 points, tying his career-high for the third time, but his fourth quarter efforts went for naught after those two crucial decisions in the end that dealt the Elite their fourth consecutive loss.

Blackwater fell to 2-5, spoiling coach Leo Isaac’s 57th birthday.

Allein Maliksi added 17 points but shot 7-of-20 from the field for Blackwater.

The thrilling match ended after a somber start to yesterday’s doubleheader when news of the passing of veteran scribe and color commentator Barry Pascua passed away from a lingering illness was relayed to PBA officials and media.

Ramos 14, Barroca 14, Melton 8, Sangalang 8, Pascual 7, Jalalon 6, Simon 6, Dela Rosa 6, Pingris 4, Herndon 3, Reavis 2, Gamalinda 0, Brondial 0.

Belo 25, Maliksi 17, Cortez 8, Erram 6, Jose 4, Pinto 3, DiGregorio 2, Marcelo 2, Sena 2, Sumang 2, Palma 1, Cruz 0, Javier 0.

Quarters: 23-13; 42-29; 61-54; 78-72.