TNT withstands Magnolia's last hurrah to enter PBA PH Cup semis

Calvin Oftana was almost flawless from the outside. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--TNT held on despite a gallant stand from Magnolia for a 118-109 win in their PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal duel on Saturday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the victory, the Tropang 5G clinched a spot in next month's semifinals, although the Hotshots still tried to make the game interesting.

Banking on a 32-point first quarter, TNT eventually opened a 27-point lead, 49-22, in the second quarter, and all roads seemed to be pointing to a blowout win.

However, Magnolia closed the second on a 19-3 run, and the team even came to within six, 73-79, late in the third.

The Tropang 5G eventually held on after answering the Hotshots' chance to inch closer again in the final frame.

Calvin Oftana led TNT, which will face the winner of the Monday night rubber match between Rain Or Shine and Meralco in the next round, with 25 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including 5-of-6 on threes, two rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block.

Jordan Heading added 21 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-4 on twos, one rebound, and one assist.

Coupled with their 94-83 win in their first meeting on Sunday night, the Tropang 5G basically swept a virtual best-of-three series against the Hotshots.

Zav Lucero led Magnolia, which finished the conference with three straight losses after having an inside track for a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs, with 22 points on 8-of-14 field goals, 13 rebounds, and one assist.

Mark Barroca added 14 points, three rebounds, 13 assists, and one steal.

Paul Lee, despite being reactivated on Tuesday, sat out the do-or-die game as he is still recovering from a hamstring injury.