Paul Lee, Mark Barroca explode late as Magnolia escapes over Converge

Paul Lee helped spark Magnolia's late comeback versus Converge. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG—Paul Lee and Mark Barroca came alive late in the fourth quarter to lead Magnolia past Converge, 99-95, in their PBA on Tour game on Wednesday night at the Ynares Sports Arena.

Lee and Barroca kept the Hotshots afloat as the FiberXers tried to complete a fourth-quarter comeback and were up by just three, 95-92, with 1:54 left.

Barroca then scored six straight points to put Magnolia ahead, 98-95, with 8.5 seconds remaining.

Alec Stockton tried to force overtime for Converge, but he missed a potential game-tying three and Jed Mendoza iced the game with a split from the line with 0.9 seconds on the clock.

Lee led the Hotshots with 21 points, six assists, and one steal, while Mendoza added 14 points on 3-for-3 shooting from three-point land and two rebounds.

Kevin Racal led the FiberXers with 22 points on 7-for-9 shooting, three rebounds, and two assists, while Jerrick Balanza added 20 points, two rebounds, three assists, and one steal.

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