Magnolia Survives Phoenix Scare to Clinch 83–80 Win, Join Four-Way Tie on Top
Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots banked on clutch defense and steady free throws to escape with an 83–80 victory over the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Friday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Jerom Lastimosa delivered a poised performance with 14 points and seven assists, while Paul Lee came off the bench firing three perfect triples for nine points as the Hotshots improved to 4–1 — joining Rain or Shine, TNT, and NLEX in a four-way tie for the top spot.
Magnolia controlled much of the contest but had to fend off a furious late rally from Phoenix. Up 81–74 with under a minute to go, the Hotshots saw RR Garcia drain a four-pointer to cut the lead to just one, 81–80.
Lastimosa then calmly sank two free throws after being fouled by Garcia, giving Magnolia a bit of breathing room in the final seconds. The Hotshots’ defense did the rest, preventing the Fuel Masters from getting a clean look from deep as Tyler Tio missed a rushed jumper at the buzzer.
Rookie Chris Koon made an encouraging debut for Magnolia after being traded from Titan Ultra, tallying five points and an assist in 21 minutes. Ian Sangalang added 11 points, while Zavier Lucero chipped in 10 as Coach LA Tenorio’s squad earned its third straight win.
(Video from the YouTube Channel of One Sports)
Jason Perkins led Phoenix with 19 points and five rebounds, while Sean Manganti scored 10. Ricci Rivero, who had been on a hot streak prior to the game, was limited to just six points as he dealt with knee pain.
The Fuel Masters slipped to 1–4, joining Titan Ultra and Terrafirma at the bottom of the standings after dropping their third straight match.
Magnolia will aim to extend its streak when it faces the San Miguel Beermen on Friday, November 7. Meanwhile, Phoenix will look to regroup and bounce back against Rain or Shine on Wednesday, November 5, also in Antipolo.
The Scores:
Magnolia 83 – Lastimosa 14, Sangalang 11, Lucero 10, Lee 9, Dela Rosa 8, De Liano 8, Alfaro 6, Koon 5, Laput 4, Escoto 4, Barroca 2, Verano 2, Gomez 0
Phoenix 80 – Perkins 19, Manganti 10, Garcia 9, Tio 8, Rivero 6, Escandor 6, Ballungay 4, Daves 4, Santos 3, Tuffin 3, Kwetkuteye 3, Nelle 3, Cepral 2, Jazul 0, Ando 0
Quarter Scores: 22-14, 42-29, 66-54, 83-80
