Magnolia turns back Meralco in OT, secures quarterfinals ticket

Magnolia continued with its winning ways after disposing of Meralco in overtime, 97-88, Friday night in the elimination round of the PBA Season 47 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The Hotshots picked up their 5th consecutive victory, 6th overall, against 3 losses and along with it a ticket to the quarterfinal round. The Bolts, on the other hand, absorbed their 4th loss in 9 outings.

Paul Lee paced the Chito Victolero-mentored squad with 21 points on 7-of-13 shooting including 4-of-8 from beyond arc. Mark Barrroca, who was adjudged as the Best Player of the Game, added 20 markers to go with 2 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals in 39 minutes of play.

“Sobrang kailangan namin (ng panalo) kasi nga ‘pag manalo kami dito, may spot ka na sa playoffs,” said Barroca during the post-game press conference.

“Against Meralco, alam naman namin everytime maglalaro kami with Meralco grinding game eh. So nag-grind kami 53 minutes, hindi lang ‘pag sinabi ni coach 48. 53 minutes talaga kami lagi ang gagawin namin ‘pag kalaban Meralco talaga,” added the 11-year veteran.

Jio Jalalon contributed 19 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 steals while Ian Sangalang finished with a double-double of 12 points and 15 boards. Aris Dionisio and Calvin Abueva chipped in 10 and 7 points, respectively.

Chris Newsome led the Bolts with 24 points while Aaron Black and Bong Quinto scored 13 markers apiece.

Magnolia’s next game is against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters which is set on Wednesday, July 20, 6:00pm at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The scores:

Magnolia 97 – Lee 21, Barroca 20, Jalalon 19, Sangalang 12, Dionisio 10, Abueva 7, Laput 3, Reavis 3, Wong 2, Corpuz 0.

Meralco 88 – Newsome 24, Black 13, Quinto 13, Jose 9, Hodge 9, Almazan 8, Maliksi 4, Banchero 3, Pascual 3, Baclao 2, Caram 0.

Quarterscores: 20-22, 45-37, 63-60, 86-86, 97-88.