Hotshots equalize

Game Today

(Cuneta Astrodome)

7 p.m. — San Miguel vs Phoenix Pulse (San Miguel leads series 2-1)

Magnolia survived Rain or Shine’s gallant comeback in escaping, 94-91, last night, tying their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series at 2-2 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Hotshots nearly squandered a 21-point lead when the Elasto Painters charged back despite the ejection of coach Caloy Garcia in the third quarter.

Rain or Shine got to within a point,

92-91, on Maverick Ahanmisi’s basket with 4.0 seconds left. But Jio Jalalon drained two foul shots for the final count as James Yap missed a game-tying three at the buzzer.

Coach Chito Victolero heaved a sigh of relief as Magnolia turned the series into a best-of-three after winning backto-back games.

Ian Sangalang had 19 points and 10 rebounds, Paul Lee scored 15 and the backcourt trio of Jalalon, Mark Barroca and Justin Melton combined for 34 points, also a key in Magnolia’s victory.

With its confidence continuing to rise, the Hotshots will take a crack at taking a 3-2 lead in Wednesday’s crucial fifth game at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Confidence is something Rain or Shine is hoping to regain after dropping the last two games.

The poor start also caused frustration for the Elasto Painters that led to Garcia’s ejection in the third quarter on a second technical.

But Rain or Shine fought back minus its coach as Javee Mocon scored 14 points and Yap, who later finished with 24 points, made it a 92-89 deficit with a three-pointer less than a minute left.

The game went on as scheduled despite the tremor that forced those who were already inside the Big Dome almost two hours before tipoff to head for safety.