PBA: Streaking Magnolia secures fifth seed, beats Meralco

Magnolia import Clint Chapman goes for a shot against Meralco in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia locked up the fifth seed after a 93-76 win over Meralco, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Hotshots chalked up their third consecutive victory, upping their mark to 7-5.

“We just played how we should have in our system,” veteran guard Paul Lee said, after finishing with 13 points, three rebounds and three assists in the win.

READ: PBA: Magnolia neutralizes TNT locals despite Bol Bol explosion

“All we knew was, we were all ready for whatever was going to happen with our flow because you never know when you’ll be open. Whoever’s the best available player, we just fed him and that’s what happened.”

In this case, it was import Clint Chapman, who spearheaded the Hotshots’ wire-to-wire win with 19 points, seven rebounds and three assists.

Meralco shot just 32.8 percent from the field, including 6-of-21 from long range, while Magnolia shot a decent 10-of-21 from distance.

READ: PBA: Magnolia dominates early, holds off TNT for key win

The Bolts saw their three-game winning streak snapped but remained in fourth with an 8-4 record. Their final playoff seeding, however, could still change.

A win by TNT over Barangay Ginebra later will bump Meralco to third. The Gin Kings victory, meanwhile, keeps the Bolts in fourth.

Marvin Jones and Javee Mocon finished with 14 points each for Meralco.