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Advocates Philippines
Magnolia Defeats Phoenix, Clinches PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals Spot
Photo credit: PBA
Magnolia Hotshots showcased resilience and strategic brilliance to secure an 89-79 victory over Phoenix Super LPG on Wednesday. With this triumph, Magnolia sealed their place in the PBA Commissioner's Cup finals, setting the stage for a showdown with early finalist San Miguel Beer starting Friday.
Mark Barroca emerged as the driving force behind Magnolia's success, contributing 21 points and displaying remarkable composure, despite nursing a right hamstring strain. Barroca's triple in the crucial moments of the game extended Magnolia's lead to 83-68, paving the way for the team's triumph.
Tyler Bey delivered an outstanding performance with 20 points and an equal number of rebounds, while Ian Sangalang, coming off the bench, added 12 points to the scoreboard. Despite a relatively quiet scoring night for Paul Lee (six points), his playmaking prowess came to the forefront with four crucial assists in the fourth quarter.
Reflecting on the hard-fought victory, Magnolia coach Chito Victolero acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Phoenix. Victolero praised Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin and the entire organization for a commendable performance, emphasizing the intense battle both teams engaged in.
Victolero credited the lessons learned from their Game 3 loss, emphasizing the importance of composure and a focus on their defensive strengths. The Hotshots successfully weathered Phoenix's spirited fightback, responding with a balanced offensive and defensive strategy.
Despite Phoenix's determined efforts, Magnolia maintained control, with Bey's three-point play igniting a pivotal 17-2 surge that widened the gap to 70-53. Even as Phoenix threatened a comeback in the final quarter, Magnolia's steadiness, led by Sangalang and Bey, secured the wire-to-wire victory.
Johnathan Williams led the charge for Phoenix with 17 points and 17 rebounds, supported by RR Garcia's 15 markers off the bench. RJ Jazul and Sean Manganti contributed at least 10 points each, but Magnolia's collective effort proved insurmountable, ultimately securing their spot in the PBA Commissioner's Cup finals.
Mark Barroca emerged as the driving force behind Magnolia's success, contributing 21 points and displaying remarkable composure, despite nursing a right hamstring strain. Barroca's triple in the crucial moments of the game extended Magnolia's lead to 83-68, paving the way for the team's triumph.
Tyler Bey delivered an outstanding performance with 20 points and an equal number of rebounds, while Ian Sangalang, coming off the bench, added 12 points to the scoreboard. Despite a relatively quiet scoring night for Paul Lee (six points), his playmaking prowess came to the forefront with four crucial assists in the fourth quarter.
Reflecting on the hard-fought victory, Magnolia coach Chito Victolero acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Phoenix. Victolero praised Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin and the entire organization for a commendable performance, emphasizing the intense battle both teams engaged in.
Victolero credited the lessons learned from their Game 3 loss, emphasizing the importance of composure and a focus on their defensive strengths. The Hotshots successfully weathered Phoenix's spirited fightback, responding with a balanced offensive and defensive strategy.
Despite Phoenix's determined efforts, Magnolia maintained control, with Bey's three-point play igniting a pivotal 17-2 surge that widened the gap to 70-53. Even as Phoenix threatened a comeback in the final quarter, Magnolia's steadiness, led by Sangalang and Bey, secured the wire-to-wire victory.
Johnathan Williams led the charge for Phoenix with 17 points and 17 rebounds, supported by RR Garcia's 15 markers off the bench. RJ Jazul and Sean Manganti contributed at least 10 points each, but Magnolia's collective effort proved insurmountable, ultimately securing their spot in the PBA Commissioner's Cup finals.
Feb 1, 2024
