Top seed Magnolia makes short work of TNT, punches ticket to semis

January 18 ------ MAGNOLIA Chicken Timplados became the first team to reach the PBA 48th Season Commissioner’s Cup semifinals after beating TNT, 109-94 at the Philsports Arena. The top-seeded Hotshots went on a 9-0 barrage to end the third quarter with a 77-69 lead, taking control of the game for good as they took just one game to end the Tropang Giga's campaign. 

Tyler Bey had 41 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Hotshots to the semifinals, where they will face either No. 4 Phoenix Super LPG or fifth-seed Meralco. The two headed to sudden-death after the Bolts' 116-107 win in triple overtime. Bey nailed a three-pointer during that crucial run in the third quarter, then helped build momentum for another 12-2 pullaway with slam as Magnolpia's lead swelled to 91-72 - the largest of the game. 

Mark Barroca delivered 17 points including seven in the fourth quarter for the Hotshots, who also got 12 apiece from Ian Sangalang and Calvin Abueva. Magnolia coach Chito Victolero was happy to see Magnolia respond after eighth-seeded TNT opened a 39-30 lead in the second quarter. “It builds our character especially after talking about the Meralco game which was the start of our playoff game,” said Victolero as he dedicated the win to San Miguel Corp. boss Ramon Ang and SMC sports director Alfrancis Chua, who celebrated their birthdays on Sunday and Wednesday, respectively. “We learned a lot from that especially our import, he learned about the physicality of the game and how to play in the playoffs,” he added. 

Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson had 27 points, nine rebounds, and 11 assists at the close of a hard-luck Commissioner’s Cup campaign for the Tropang Giga. 

The scores: 

Magnolia 109 – Bey 41, Barroca 17, Sangalang 12, Abueva 12, Jalalon 9, Lee 7, Dionisio 4, Laput 3, Ahanmisi 2, Dela Rosa 2, Corpuz 0, Tratter 0, Eriobu 0. 

TNT 94 – Hollis-Jefferson 27, Oftana 20, Pogoy 17, Aurin 13, Williams 9, Heruela 4, Montalbo 2, Galinato 2, Khobuntin 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0, Ponferada 0. 

Quarters: 21-23; 50-44; 77-69; 109-94. 

Source: spin.ph