WATCH: Magnolia vs San Miguel Full Game [PBA S48 Comm’s Cup Finals G4 | Feb. 9, 2024]

Magnolia took its turn to deal San Miguel Beer back-to-back losses in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup finals via a 96-85 Game 4 verdict to tie it all up at 2-2 Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Tyler Bey held high-scoring SMB counterpart Bennie Boatwright to his lowest output of 16 on a 5-of-16 shooting while turning in an astounding 26 markers, 12 rebounds and six steals to key Magnolia’s followup to their 88-80 win in Game 3.

After going 0-2 on 95-103 and 95-109 beatdown at the hands of SMB, coach Chito Victolero’s charges now hold momentum as the sibling rivals start all over beginning Sunday’s Game 5.

Just like in its must-win effort two nights before, Magnolia prevented the SMB juggernaut from getting going.

“Everyone embraced our defensive mindset, especially Tyler,” said Victolero, whose wards forced Beermen to a 30-of-81 shooting (37 percent), low for their standard.

“Everything boils down to our defense. We limited them to under-90 points and that’s our goal. As long as the series becomes a defensive battle, we have a chance to win games.”

Mark Barroca (14), Paul Lee (14), Ian Sangalang (13) and Jio Jalalon (10) delivered the offensive support for Magnolia, which pulled away via a 24-12 exchange in the fourth quarter.