Hot shooting Hotshots force winner-take-all Game 5

Paul Lee broke free from his shooting slump in spectacular fashion during the playoffs, leading the scorching Magnolia Hotshots to a commanding 129-100 victory over Rain or Shine, thereby forcing a do-or-die Game 5 in the quarterfinals of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday, October 1.

After struggling in the previous two games, Lee found his rhythm from beyond the arc, showcasing his prowess with two crucial four-pointers that ignited an explosive second quarter for the Hotshots. This decisive performance allowed Magnolia to level the best-of-five series at 2-2.

Lee finished the game with a total of three quadshots, amassing 25 points—15 of which came in the pivotal third quarter, helping to secure Magnolia’s lead. He also contributed six assists, while import Jabari Bird delivered an impressive 30 points, aiding the Hotshots in regaining their confidence following a tumultuous Game 3 loss.

Jerrick Ahanmisi also made his mark, hitting two four-pointers to finish with 14 points, while Mark Barroca contributed 10 points, six assists, and four steals to the winning effort.

As in their initial victory of the series, the Hotshots found their rhythm during a second-quarter blitz, with consecutive four-pointers from both Lee and Ahanmisi sparking a game-changing run.

Though the two teams were tied at the end of the first quarter, Magnolia surged ahead, doubling Rain or Shine’s 18 points with a remarkable 36 in the second quarter to take a substantial 62-44 lead at the intermission.

The Elasto Painters began to regain their footing in the third quarter; however, the Hotshots maintained a consistent groove and were able to keep Rain or Shine at bay throughout the period.

Aaron Fuller led the Elasto Painters with 22 points, but his rebounding output fell short of expectations, managing only 11 boards. Jhonard Clarito added 15 points before fouling out, while Beau Belga, Adrian Nocum, and Andrei Caracut each chipped in 11 points, but their efforts came up short in the face of Magnolia’s onslaught.

The decisive Game 5 is scheduled for Saturday, October 5, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The scores:

Magnolia 129 – Bird 30, Lee 25, Ahanmisi 14, Barroca 10, Sangalang 10, Abueva 9, Dela Rosa 9, Dionisio 9, Mendoza 8, Eriobu 5, Laput 0.

Rain or Shine 100 – Fuller 22, Clarito 15, Nocum 11, Belga 11, Caracut 11, Mamuyac 10, Asistio 5, Santillan 4, Tiongson 4, Ildefonso 4, Datu 2, Lemetti 1, Norwood 0.

Quarterscores: 26-26, 62-44, 99-79, 129-100.

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