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Ricardo Ratliffe was dominant in a must-win for Magnolia. PBA Images |
MANILA--Magnolia scored a vital win to stay alive in the PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinal race after ripping Hong Kong Eastern, 107-78, on Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Aware that another loss would officially eliminate them from playoff contention, the Hotshots blew the game wide open in the second quarter, outscoring the Long Lions, 26-12, and they never lost the huge lead in the end.
Ricardo Ratliffe led Magnolia, which once again forced a three-way tie with San Miguel, which will play TNT later Sunday, and NLEX for eighth place at 5-6, with 25 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, one block, and two steals.
Jerom Lastimosa and Zav Lucero each added 20 points off the bench.
Chris McLaughlin put up 20 points, 10 rebounds, and one steal for Eastern, whose bid for a once-to-advance edge in the quarterfinals hit a snag after dropping to 7-4.
The Hotshots must beat the Meralco Bolts on Friday night at the PhilSports Arena to at least force a play-in game for the eighth seed.
On the other hand, the Long Lions can still bolster their Top 2 hopes with a win against the NLEX Road Warriors on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
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