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Magnolia moves on to semis after defeating ROS

Paul Lee still led the Hotshots in scoring. PBA Images
By Carl Santiago

MANILA--Magnolia blew Rain Or Shine out of the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals with a 96-86 win in Game 2 of their series on Wednesday night at Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The Hotshots sustained a blistering start and kept the Elasto Painters at bay despite a gritty stand by the latter in the game to clinch the third seat in the semifinals through a 2-0 sweep of the best-of-3 quarterfinals.

The Hotshots started the game with an 8-0 run, and although Andrei Caracut put ROS on the board with back-to-back triples, the Hotshots were red-hot in the first period as they took a 28-17 at the end of the quarter.

The Hotshots continued to dominate in the second quarter, even extending their lead to as high as 16 before a late rally from the Elasto Painters cut the lead down to eight, 49-41, at halftime.

ROS made its way back to the game in the third quarter, outscoring Magnolia, 28-22, to draw to within 2, 69-71, entering the fourth.

Jio Jalalon took over for the Hotshots early into the fourth period scoring their first 6 points as they eventually regained a double-digit lead, 89-76, with less than 5 minutes left.

ROS didn't bow down early against the Hotshots as the team would cut the lead to down 6, 92-86, but Mark Barroca scored back-to-back jumpers to seal it.

Paul Lee led Magnolia, which will face the winner of the Friday night game between NLEX and Meralco in the semifinals next week, with 24 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Calvin Abueva flirted with a 20-20 game, putting up 20 points and 19 rebounds with 1 block.

James Yap fired 16 points and 3 rebounds for ROS.

With a report from Ivan Saldajeno

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