Magnolia evades elimination, forces Game 6 vs. TNT

Mark Barroca exploded for 25 points to keep the Hotshots alive. Dennis Acosta

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Magnolia lived to fight another day in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals after tripping TNT, 105-97, in Game 5 of their series on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Sent to the brink of elimination, the Hotshots played with much urgency against the Tropang Giga, sizzling offensively for 59 points in the first half, the most by any team to start a game in their best-of-seven series.

TNT tried to crawl back into the game in the second half, but Magnolia quickly weathered the rallies and held on.

Mark Barroca fired 25 points with six rebounds, four assists, and one assist for the Hotshots, who forced a Game 6 on Sunday night.

Paul Lee, Ian Sangalang, and Calvin Abueva each added 16 points with Abueva also grabbing 10 rebounds for the double-double.

Jayson Castro put up 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, and one steal off the bench for TNT in a game where Mikey Williams was held to just 13 points.

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