Magnolia dominates RoS to live another day
Magnolia recovered from a disappointing start to dominate Game 4 of their quarter final series against Rain or Shine on Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium to force a knockout game on Saturday, October 5.
The Hotshots relied on their four-point shooting to extend their campaign in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup as they recorded a 129-100 win after.
Paul Lee, in the most opportune time played his best game of the series to lead the team in saving their tournament lives. The ‘Leethal weapon” produced 25 points highlighted by a 3-of-4 four-pointers.
Jabari Bird as usual delivered a quiet but effective offensive prowess for Magnolia as he led them in scoring with 30 markers.
Jerrick Ahanmisi also helped in the scoring parade by contributing 14, including two 4-pointers to move out of a tie with Blackwater’s import George King (17) as the No. 1 in most four-pointers made in the PBA. His two conversions gave him the 18th and 19th of his career.
Veterans Mark Barroca and Ian Sangalang also produced double-digit scoring for the Hotshots as they contributed 10 apiece. Calvin Abueva, Aris Dionisio and Rome Dela Rosa also helped in their offensive thrust as they tallied nine markers each.
"I'm thankful to the players for having the right mindset and focus. Sa board namin sa pre-game, sinulat ko doon 'it's all about believing.' In order for us to win this game, we need to grind for 53 minutes," said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.
"I think the players were so focused. They wanted to have another chance on Saturday."
Rain or Shine actually started the game on a 11-2 run before Magnolia made their comeback to tie the game at the end of the first period with 26 apiece.
The Hotshots even ended the half with a 62-44 lead. Then, they finished the third canto with a 99-79 advantage, and concluded the game at 129-120.
Aaron Fuller led the Elasto Painters with 22 markers and 10 boards in a losing cause, while Jhonard Clarito added 15 points.
Their fifth and final game of their quarter final series will be on Saturday at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City.
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.
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