PBA: Magnolia scores tight win vs Phoenix in crucial clash

Zav Lucero took flight for Magnolia in a must-win game. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Magnolia nipped a gritty side with a 110-104 win in a crucial PBA Commissioner's Cup showdown on Thursday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

In the game pitting teams still in the playoff hunt, the Hotshots prevailed despite a gallant fight from the Fuel Masters late in the fourth quarter led by Kai Ballungay.

Up 105-91 with 5:27 left, Magnolia suddenly found itself on the verge of still blowing the game after Ballungay led an 11-1 Phoenix run that cut the lead down to four, 106-102, with 2:26 remaining.

The Fuel Masters eventually had a chance to send the game into overtime, but Ballungay fumbled a handoff intended for RJ Jazul, and the rookie, after retrieving the ball, went for a quick three that he misfired.

Mark Barroca sealed the win for the Hotshots with two free throws with 2.2 seconds left.

Zav Lucero led Magnolia, which moved up to 4-6, one game behind San Miguel for eighth place, with 25 points on 6-of-12 shooting including 3-of-6 on threes, five rebounds, two assists, and one block.

Barroca and Ricardo Ratliffe each added 22 points with the latter grabbing 19 rebounds as well to the delight of former Busan teammate Ha Seung-Jin.

Donovan Smith put up 40 points on 14-of-21 shots including 4-for-5 from four-point range, six rebounds, three assists, one block, and two steals for Phoenix, which fell to 3-6.

With the Fuel Masters' loss, the Converge FiberXers and NorthPort Batang Pier officially sealed their places in the quarterfinals.

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