Magnolia fought for dear life in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup stopping Rain or Shine 129-100 to force a deciding Game 5 in the quarterfinals series.
Jabari Bird and Paul Lee delivered in the convincing win that the Hotshots needed in Game Four on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium to avoid elimination.
Magnolia trailed early, 11-2, but found ways to get back in the game that the Hotshots eventually won even with the absence of Zavier Lucero, one of the central figures in their Game Three loss.
The fifth and final game of the quarterfinal series is slated on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Bird had his usual numbers but it was Lee who helped the Hotshots pull away for good after hitting 15 points in the third quarter.
The Hotshots were coming off an emotional Game Three loss where head coach Chito Victolero called for sharpness from the referees after they missed a critical goaltending violation in the end game which, Victolero claimed, cost them the ballgame.
“Thankful to the players because of the mindset and the focus. Nandoon sa board ko sa pregame, it’s all about believing. In order for us to win the war, we need to grind for 53 minutes. I think my players are so focused and they want to have another chance on Saturday,” said Victolero.
The Hotshots went on a 36-18 spurt in the second quarter to contribute to the lead that was never threatened even in the second half.
Aaron Fuller had 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Jhonard Clarito had 15 points for Rain or Shine, which actually started the game, 8-0, only to lose the lead in the second.
The scores:
Magnolia 129 – Bird 30, Lee 25, Ahanmisi 14, Barroca 10, Sangalang 10, Abueva 9, Dela Rosa 9, Dionisio 9, Mendoza 8, Eriobu 5, Laput 0.
Rain or Shine 100 – Fuller 22, Clarito 15, Nocum 11, Belga 11, Caracut 11, Mamuyac 10, Asistio 5, Santillan 4, Tiongson 4, Ildefonso 4, Datu 2, Lemetti 1, Norwood 0.
Quarters: 26-26; 62-44; 99-79; 129-100.
