Magnolia nears PBA Comm's Cup semis sweep vs Phoenix after late comeback

Tyler Bey put up another splendid performance for now 2-0 Magnolia. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Magnolia took a commanding 2-0 lead in the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals against Phoenix after another tight contest, this time an 82-78 Game 2 win on Friday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

The Hotshots fought back from five points down with 4:13 left as they went on a 10-0 run capped by a long three from Paul Lee for an 81-76 lead with 55 seconds to go.

Johnathan Williams tried to keep the Fuel Masters in the game as he converted a layup that cut the lead down to three, 81-78, with 8.8 seconds remaining, but Mark Barroca's split from the line with 2.4 seconds to go sealed the Hotshots' win.

Tyler Bey led Magnolia, which can sweep the series on Sunday, with 25 points on 8-of-15 shooting including the go-ahead basket with 1:23 left, 12 rebounds, one assist, three blocks, and one steal.

Jio Jalalon added 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists.

Williams fired 27 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and one steal, while Jason Perkins added 17 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists for Phoenix.

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