PBA: Terrence Romeo's return spoiled as Magnolia keeps Terrafirma slumping

Ricardo Ratliffe put up a vintage performance for Magnolia. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Terrence Romeo's return still was not enough for Terrafirma to get up of its slump as it fell prey to Magnolia, 84-89, in their PBA Commissioner's Cup game on Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Romeo, who finally got to debut with the Dyip after sitting out most of the conference, struggled in his comeback from an injury as they are once again the first team eliminated from playoff contention for the second straight tournament

In a close battle between teams on a slump, Ricardo Ratliffe iced the Hotshots' win with a layup with 29 seconds remaining.

Stanley Pringle tried to keep Terrafirma alive, but he missed his three-point shot, and the team let Magnolia milk the last 19 seconds of the game.

Ratliffe showed that he still got game at age 35 with 32 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and one block for the Hotshots, while Zav Lucero added 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, one block, and one steal off the bench.

The Hotshots improved to 3-5, a half-game behind joint eighth-placers NLEX Road Warriors and San Miguel Beermen.

Pringle led the Dyip, who dropped to 0-9, with 22 points, five rebounds, and two assists, while Romeo only had three points and two assists in his Terrafirma debut.

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