Magnolia wins once more for the primary time in practically a month after overcoming NLEX behind a monster double-double effort by import Ricardo Ratliffe
MANILA, Philippines – It took the primary time beyond regulation of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup for Magnolia to arrest its prolonged hunch.
The Hotshots gained once more for the primary time in practically a month after eking out a 99-95 victory over NLEX on the PhilSports Area on Friday, December 20, behind a monster double-double effort by veteran import Ricardo Ratliffe.
Ratliffe completed with 38 factors and 19 rebounds as Magnolia snapped a four-game skid and raised their document to 2-4.
“We’re down at this stage of the match however we’re not out. I informed them our scenario continues to be in our management,” stated Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero. “Hopefully, that is the beginning of our run.”
Magnolia began the convention with a convincing 18-point win over Blackwater on November 28 earlier than shedding 4 straight video games.
In these 4 setbacks, the Hotshots misplaced by simply 4.3 factors, together with a pair of single-possession defeats by the hands of TNT (103-100) and Rain or Shine (102-100).
However Magnolia received over the hump ultimately, with Ratliffe capping off his stellar efficiency with a pair of free throws for the ultimate tally.
Zavier Lucero backstopped Ratliffe with 14 factors and 5 rebounds, together with back-to-back layups that gave the Hotshots a 94-90 lead.
The Highway Warriors, although, shortly erased that deficit because of Robert Bolick finishing the primary official five-point play in PBA historical past with 55.5 seconds left.
Bolick, who delivered the game-winning five-point play within the PBA All-Star Recreation earlier this 12 months, sank a four-pointer regardless of a foul by Magnolia rookie Jerom Lastimosa then drained the bonus shot to place NLEX in entrance, 95-94.
That, nonetheless, turned out the final time the Highway Warriors scored because the Hotshots ended the sport on a 5-0 blitz.
Lastimosa had 13 factors, Mark Barroca completed with 12 factors, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals, whereas Calvin Abueva grabbed 11 rebounds on high of 6 factors and a pair of blocks.
Magnolia gained even with out Paul Lee, who received sidelined after a freak accident that noticed him get hit within the head by a metallic railing throughout the warmups.
Bolick posted 28 factors, 9 assists, 5 rebounds, and a pair of steals for NLEX, which absorbed its third straight loss and fell to 3-4.
The Highway Warriors haven’t gained since they loved a three-game profitable streak.
NLEX import Mike Watkins netted 17 factors, 23 rebounds, and 4 blocks, though he was hardly concerned on the offensive finish down the stretch as he scored simply 6 factors mixed within the fourth and time beyond regulation intervals.
The Scores
Magnolia 99 – Ratliffe 38, Lucero 14, Lastimosa 13, Barroca 12, Balanza 6, Abueva 6, Mendoza 3, Dionisio 3, Dela Rosa 2, Sangalang 2, Laput 0, Ahanmisi 0.
NLEX 95 – Bolick 28, Herndon 18, Watkins 17, Alas 11, Torres 8, Mocon 6, Semerad 5, Policarpio 2, Nieto 0, Rodger 0, Marcelo 0, Valdez 0.
Quarters: 21-22, 38-45, 64-63, 87-87, 99-95.
– Rappler.com
