Magnolia rallies in Q4 to deny ROS outright QF entry, take bonus

Nick Rakocevic fought through foul trouble to lead Magnolia to the Top 2 finish. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG—Magnolia went on a fourth-quarter rampage to clip Rain Or Shine, 106-90, in the final game of the PBA Commissioner's Cup elimination round on Friday night at the PhilSports Arena.

Down for most of the first three quarters, the Hotshots erupted for 35 points in the fourth to steal the win from the Elasto Painters, who were held to just 13.

Battling through foul trouble, Nick Rakocevic led Magnolia, which sealed the second seed plus the once-to-win advantage in the next round, with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Paul Lee and Ian Sangalang each added 16 points.

The team will face seventh-seeded Phoenix in the quarterfinals.

Rey Nambatac and Santi Santillan each pitched in 15 points for ROS, which now needs to beat NLEX in the wildcard game at 6:30 p.m. Sunday for the right to complete the quarterfinal cast.

The winner of the said game will face off with the top-seeded Bay Area in the next round.

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