Magnolia arranges a playoff for the final quarterfinal berth after blowing out fifth-seeded Meralco, whereas Rain or Shine defeats second-ranked TNT to keep away from a knockout match versus the Hotshots and safe the No. 6 spot within the PBA Commissioner’s Cup
MANILA, Philippines – The PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoff forged is sort of set.
The Magnolia Hotshots lived to combat one other day, whereas the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters locked up the sixth spot after defeating their respective opponents within the last day of the elimination spherical on the PhilSports Area on Friday, January 31.
Going through a do-or-die state of affairs, the Hotshots dominated the import-less Meralco Bolts from begin to end en path to a 129-92 blowout.
Magnolia import Ricardo Ratliffe was practically unstoppable, erupting for 31 factors on an ultra-efficient 11-of-13 capturing, to go along with 19 rebounds, 4 assists, and a couple of steals.
Zavier Lucero, in the meantime, placed on a capturing clinic for the Hotshots as he sizzled for 22 factors on an ideal 4-of-4 clip from lengthy distance.
Three extra gamers scored in double figures for the Hotshots within the wire-to-wire rout as Ian Sangalang and Mark Barroca recorded 19 factors every, whereas Calvin Abueva got here up with 14.
With an identical 6-6 information, Magnolia arrange a playoff for the eighth and last quarterfinal berth towards the NLEX Highway Warriors on Sunday, February 2, for the best to problem the top-seeded NorthPort Batang Pier.
Enjoying minus their import Akil Mitchell for the second straight sport because of again spasms, the Bolts have been led by Raymond Almazan, who produced 23 factors on 10-of-13 capturing.
It was primarily a non-bearing contest for the Bolts (7-5) as they’ve already secured the fifth spot previous to this sport versus the Hotshots.
Meralco is ready to resume its rivalry with the fourth-ranked Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in a best-of-three quarterfinal sequence.
In the meantime, the Elasto Painers averted a win-or-go dwelling conflict with the Hotshots for the final quarterfinal seat following an all-important 106-96 win over the second-placed TNT Tropang Giga.
Sharpshooting guard Anton Asistio was a person on a mission for Rain or Shine as he exploded for a conference-high 21 factors on 6-of-7 capturing from deep, with 14 markers coming within the first half alone.
Deon Thompson topscored for the Elasto Painters — who will face the No. 3 Converge FiberXers in a best-of-three showdown — with 22 factors, together with 16 rebounds and 5 assists, whereas Leonard Santillan fired 20 markers.
On the opposite aspect, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson paced the Tropang Giga with a close to triple-double of 23 factors, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, whereas Calvin Oftana added 20 factors.
Regardless of the loss, TNT (8-4) nonetheless completed at second, which comes with a twice-to-beat benefit, because of superior quotient over Converge and Ginebra.
The Tropang Giga will go up towards Hong Kong Japanese within the quarterfinals.
The Scores
First Sport
Magnolia 129 – Ratliffe 31, Lucero 22, Sangalang 18, Barroca 18, Abueva 14, Lee 7, Dionisio 7, Lastimosa 6, Alfaro 2, Dela Rosa 2, Laput 2, Eriobu 0, Balanza 0.
Meralco 92 – Almazan 23, Cansino 11, Black 9, Bates 8, Quinto 7, Banchero 6, Reyson 5, Torres 5, Rios 5, Mendoza 4, Caram 4, Pasaol 3, Newsome 2, Hodge 0.
Quarters: 35-28, 73-47, 101-75, 129-92.
Second Sport
Rain or Shine 106 – Thompson 22, Asistio 21, Santillan 20, Tiongson 13, Caracut 9, Nocum 8, Belga 5, Datu 3, Clarito 3, Malonzo 2, Norwood 0.
TNT 96 – Hollis-Jefferson 23, Oftana 20, Pogoy 13, Erram 13, Nambatac 11, Williams 6, Razon 4, Castro 3, Khobuntin 3, Galinato 0, Exciminiano 0, Aurin 0.
Quarters: 23-27, 57-44, 75-74, 106-96.
– Rappler.com
