Magnolia takes down Phoenix, enters PBA Comm’s Cup finals
MANILA – Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots secured a seat in the 2023-2024 PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals after an 89-79 win over Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in Game 4 of the semifinals last night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Andy Mark Barroca led the way with 21 points, including four three-point conversions, while reinforcement Tyler Bey chipped in a double-double of 20 points and 20 rebounds for the Hotshots.
Ian Sangalang finished with 12 points, all in the second half, to go with three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and a block for the Hotshots, which finished off the best-of-five semis series at 3-1.
The Hotshots went on a 10-0 blast behind consecutive baskets from Barroca. The Fuel Masters rallied to within 12-19 but Magnolia responded with connections from Abu Tratter, Bey, and Rome dela Rosa for a 29-16 lead.
The Hotshots lead grew to 43-26 in the second quarter following connections by Barroca and James Laput, but the Fuel Masters made a late run to cut the deficit to 38-49 at the half.
Phoenix continued their run in the third quarter as they cut the deficit to as low as 51-53, but Magnolia uncorked a 15-0 scoring blast behind Sangalang, Bey, and Barroca to restore a 70-53 lead.
Magnolia widened the lead to its largest at 74-53 on backto-back hits by Abu Tratter to start the fourth quarter but Phoenix leaned on eight straight points by Sean Manganti to cut the deficit to 83-74.
The Hotshots, however, kept the Fuel Masters at bay with Sangalang and Bey converting from inside to make it an 8978 score with only 50 seconds remaining in the semis game.
Johnathan Williams III finished with a double-double of 17 points and 17 rebounds, RR Garcia added 15 markers, while RJ Jazul and Manganti had 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the Fuel Masters.
The Hotshots will square off with San Miguel Beermen in a best-of-seven championship series beginning this Friday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena./ PN
BOX SCORE: MAGNOLIA 89 – Barroca 21, Bey 20, Sangalang 12, Dionisio 8, Dela Rosa 7, Lee 6, Tratter 6, Jalalon 5, Laput 4, Reavis 0, Ahanmisi 0, Abueva 0.
PHOENIX 79 – Williams 17, Garcia 15, Jazul 11, Manganti 10, Perkins 6, Alejandro 5, Tio 5, Muyang 4, Tuffin 3, Rivero 3, Soyud 0, Mocon 0, Verano 0, Camacho 0.
Quarterscores: 29-16, 4938, 70-53, 89-79.