"Flying B" steals show from invading "Spider-Man" as game-winner gives Magnolia pivotal Finals edge

Mark Barroca releases what would be the game-winning shot for Magnolia. Dennis Acosta

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--In a game where "Spider-Man"--not Arwind Santos--made an unexpected appearance, "Flying B" made the game's most heroic moment.

Mark Barroca scored the game-winning jumper as Magnolia subdued San Miguel, 88-86, in Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Friday night.

Barroca drilled in a wide-open mid-range jumper from the left corner as the Hotshots now took a pivotal 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven series against the Beermen.

The said shot, which came off a one-dribble pull-up off a fake, actually preserved the victory for Magnolia as SMB went on a 15-2 run within the last 4:28 of the game to melt the former's 84-71 cushion and forced an 86-all tie with 1:18 left.

However, the Beermen failed to score from there, and Barroca eventually went clutch with the go-ahead J.

The said shot capped a 22-point, five-rebound, five-assist, one-steal, and one-block performance for Barroca as the Hotshots have a chance to finish off the Beermen in Game 6 on Sunday night.

Ian Sangalang added a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds with one assist and two blocks.

Despite the offensive struggles, Junemar Fajardo still put up a 20-20 game with 22 rebounds and 21 points alongside four assists and three blocks.

Marcio Lassiter added 20 points, eight rebounds, one assist, and three steals.

Santos, the PBA's "Spidey", had 18 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks.

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