Hotshots’ fightback falls short in QF Game 3

Aaron Fuller played valiantly despite battling through a torn cornea in his left eye, leading Rain or Shine to a thrilling and dramatic 111-106 overtime victory over Magnolia, inching them closer to a semifinals return in Game 3 of the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, Sept. 29.

Even as his status remained uncertain leading up to the game after suffering an eye poke in Game 2, Fuller exhibited remarkable resilience and unwavering determination, scoring nine of his 29 points in overtime. His crucial free throws, executed perfectly by Gian Mamuyac and Jhonard Clarito, ultimately secured the win for the Elasto Painters.

Rain or Shine, which had controlled much of regulation, found itself trailing by three, 104-101, in the overtime period. However, Fuller quickly turned the tide with a spectacular and-1 play, followed by clutch free throws that handed the Elasto Painters the lead for good, granting them a significant 2-1 advantage in the best-of-five series.

In addition to his scoring prowess, Fuller recorded a double-double, amassing 11 rebounds and six assists. Clarito also made significant contributions with 18 points, including two critical free throws earned after a game-saving steal from Magnolia with just six seconds remaining.

Four other players joined the scoring ranks for Rain or Shine, with Mamuyac and Andrei Caracut each contributing 15 points, while Santi Santillan added 13 and Beau Belga chipped in 10.

The tension didn’t fade, however, as the Hotshots challenged several pivotal calls late in the game.

With Magnolia down by two points at 106-104, Zav Lucero, who had previously sent the game into overtime with an incredible four-point shot, charged toward the basket for a layup. He was met with a crucial block from Clarito, prompting the Hotshots to foul and halt the clock.

After review, Lucero’s layup was deemed valid due to a goaltending violation, yet the foul that sent Mamuyac to the free-throw line with 10 seconds left could not be overturned.

Magnolia still had opportunities following Mamuyac’s split at the stripe, but Fuller capitalized by snatching the offensive rebound, earning himself two free throws that he confidently converted.

Import Jabari Bird was the standout for Magnolia, finishing with 31 points, 10 rebounds, two steals, and a block, while Lucero contributed 24 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, as Magnolia fought back from a double-digit deficit.