WATCH: Magnolia vs Rain or Shine Highlights [QF Game 2 | 2021 Philippine Cup | Sept. 30, 2021]
Magnolia will make its first semifinals appearance since the 2019 edition of the All-Filipino conference after conquering Rain or Shine, 96-86, Thursday night in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Hotshots will face the winner of Meralco-NLEX quarterfinals series.
Paul Lee paced the 2014 PBA Grand Slam champs with 24 points on 6-of-18 shooting spiked by 4 three-pointers while Calvin Abueva posted a eye-popping double-double of 20 points and 19 rebounds. Jio Jalalon contributed 16 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals.
“It’s very hard, very hard talaga na kalaban ang Rain or Shine. Well-coached and at the same time, they have a system. I think they’re the no. 1 defensive team sa liga natin,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero
“I told to my players that it’s a defensive battle from start to finish. We need to execute on both ends of the floor. And also yun lang, kailangan lang namin mag-grind nang mag-grind,” he added.
The Elasto Painters’ mission of capturing their 3rd PBA title has come to an end after falling into the hands of the determined Hotshots.
