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Magnolia arranges a playoff for the last quarterfinal berth after blowing out fifth-seeded Meralco, while Rain or Shine defeats second-ranked TNT to avoid a knockout match versus the Hotshots and secure the No. 6 spot in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup
MANILA, Philippines – The PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoff cast is almost set.
The Magnolia Hotshots lived to fight another day, while the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters locked up the sixth spot after defeating their respective opponents in the final day of the elimination round at the PhilSports Arena on Friday, January 31.
Facing a do-or-die situation, the Hotshots dominated the import-less Meralco Bolts from start to finish en route to a 129-92 blowout.
Magnolia import Ricardo Ratliffe was nearly unstoppable, erupting for 31 points on an ultra-efficient 11-of-13 shooting, to go with 19 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.
Zavier Lucero, meanwhile, put on a shooting clinic for the Hotshots as he sizzled for 22 points on a perfect 4-of-4 clip from long distance.
Three more players scored in double figures for the Hotshots in the wire-to-wire rout as Ian Sangalang and Mark Barroca recorded 19 points each, while Calvin Abueva came up with 14.
With identical 6-6 records, Magnolia set up a playoff for the eighth and final quarterfinal berth against the NLEX Road Warriors on Sunday, February 2, for the right to challenge the top-seeded NorthPort Batang Pier.
Playing minus their import Akil Mitchell for the second straight game due to back spasms, the Bolts were led by Raymond Almazan, who produced 23 points on 10-of-13 shooting.
It was essentially a non-bearing contest for the Bolts (7-5) as they have already secured the fifth spot prior to this game versus the Hotshots.
Meralco is set to renew its rivalry with the fourth-ranked Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in a best-of-three quarterfinal series.
Meanwhile, the Elasto Painers avoided a win-or-go home clash with the Hotshots for the last quarterfinal seat following an all-important 106-96 win over the second-placed TNT Tropang Giga.
Sharpshooting guard Anton Asistio was a man on a mission for Rain or Shine as he exploded for a conference-high 21 points on 6-of-7 shooting from deep, with 14 markers coming in the first half alone.
Deon Thompson topscored for the Elasto Painters — who will face the No. 3 Converge FiberXers in a best-of-three showdown — with 22 points, along with 16 rebounds and 5 assists, while Leonard Santillan fired 20 markers.
On the other side, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson paced the Tropang Giga with a near triple-double of 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Calvin Oftana added 20 points.
Despite the loss, TNT (8-4) still finished at second, which comes with a twice-to-beat advantage, due to superior quotient over Converge and Ginebra.
The Tropang Giga will go up against Hong Kong Eastern in the quarterfinals.
The Scores
First Game
Magnolia 129 – Ratliffe 31, Lucero 22, Sangalang 18, Barroca 18, Abueva 14, Lee 7, Dionisio 7, Lastimosa 6, Alfaro 2, Dela Rosa 2, Laput 2, Eriobu 0, Balanza 0.
Meralco 92 – Almazan 23, Cansino 11, Black 9, Bates 8, Quinto 7, Banchero 6, Reyson 5, Torres 5, Rios 5, Mendoza 4, Caram 4, Pasaol 3, Newsome 2, Hodge 0.
Quarters: 35-28, 73-47, 101-75, 129-92.
Second Game
Rain or Shine 106 – Thompson 22, Asistio 21, Santillan 20, Tiongson 13, Caracut 9, Nocum 8, Belga 5, Datu 3, Clarito 3, Malonzo 2, Norwood 0.
TNT 96 – Hollis-Jefferson 23, Oftana 20, Pogoy 13, Erram 13, Nambatac 11, Williams 6, Razon 4, Castro 3, Khobuntin 3, Galinato 0, Exciminiano 0, Aurin 0.
Quarters: 23-27, 57-44, 75-74, 106-96.
– Rappler.com
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