WATCH: Magnolia vs Phoenix Highlights [PBA S48 Comm’s Cup SF G2 | Jan. 26, 2024]

Paul Lee has already just starred for Magnolia in the opener of its PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals series against Phoenix Super LPG.

A lot more help came this time around as the Hotshots rode the crest of a 10-0 run in the stretch to turn back the Fuel Masters, 82-78, Friday and take a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five duel at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Jio Jalalon, Tyler Bey and James Laput also played key roles in that decisive surge that boosted Magnolia from a 71-76 deficit and into an 81-76 spread made possible by Lee’s shotclock-beating triple from way, way out.

“I know Paul for eight years now and I know he can hit any shot,” said Hotshots coach Chito Victolero. “Saka ini-ensayo ni Paul iyan, every day sa gym.”

“That’s just Paul,” echoed Bey. “I mean, I always know when he gets a shot he’s gonna take it and he’s gonna make it. That’s why I love him.”

Jalalon did his part by canning a runner to spark that run while Bey not only fed Laput for a three-point play that tied the game at 76-all but also scored on a drive to push Magnolia ahead.

Still, it was Lee’s shot from near the halfcourt logo that practically sealed Phoenix’s fate as it failed to come up with any legitimate threat inside the last 55 seconds.

Johnathan Williams scored on a drive, but Mark Barroca sealed the deal with a charity split in the last 2.4 seconds that eventually left the Fuel Masters looking forward to Sunday’s Game 3 to at least stay alive.