Magnolia guns for finals berth anew vs Phoenix
BEATEN badly by Phoenix the last time out, Magnolia tries to close out the series anew when it battles the Fuel Masters in Game 4 of their PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup Best-of-five semifinals on wednesday at the mall of Asia Arena. Game time is 8 p.m.
The Hotshots blew an early 21-point advantage as the Fuel Masters came charging back in the second half on the way to a runaway 103-85 win.
Despite the massive beating, Magnolia remains a favorite against Phoenix, given the Hotshots’ veteran-laden squad.
While young American import Tyler Bey has been the team’s anchor on defense and offense, Magnolia is oozing with playoff experience due to the presence of many-time All-Star Paul Lee, Mark Barroca, Jio Jalalon, Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang.
A win by Magnolia will vault the team to the best-of-seven title series against early bird San Miguel Beer.
The Beermen reached the Finals after sweeping the Barangay Ginebra Kings 3-0 last Sunday.
As for Phoenix, import Johnathan Williams is undoubtedly the team’s heart and soul given the leadership and many other intangibles he brings to the Fuel Masters, who are one of the youngest squads in the league today.
Still, the former Los Angeles Lakers forward has veteran guard RJ Jazul as a major support, with the former Letran star conniving with Williams in Phoenix’s massive victory in Game 3.
Jazul, the 11th overall pick in the 2010 PBA Draft scattered 14 of his 17 points in the second half as he helped lead Phoenix’s comeback win.
Other than the 37-year-old Jazul, Filipino American Jason Perkins is also there to provide solid offense and rebounding while young turks like Tyler Tio, Javee Mocon and rookies Ken Tuffin and Ricci Rivero are also there to supply the needed scoring and defense.