The Magnolia Hotshots needed to overcome a late TNT Tropang 5G storm to claim the twice-to-beat edge in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup playoffs.
There was no hint of fatigue for veteran Rafi Reavis after playing extended minutes in Magnolia’s pulsating 88-83 win over TNT in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Friday, June 13.
Reavis clocked in over 12 minutes, including some in the crucial homestretch, where the Hotshots weathered a late Tropang 5G uprising.
There was also a sequence where he made two consecutive offensive rebounds, eliciting applause from his teammates and their fans.
In the end, the 47-year-old cager wound up with four points, six rebounds, a steal and a block as Magnolia secured one of the four twice-to-beat quarterfinal incentives with its 8-3 record.
“I’m not tired,” said Reavis after the match at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate.
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Magnolia coach Chito Victolero said he wanted to treat this match as Game 1 of the playoffs. Hence, he brought out someone with a wealth of experience in Reavis.
As one of the remaining members of the franchise’s 2014 Grand Slam team, Reavis certainly knows how to win.
“I’ve been here many times. I know what it takes to get to the next round. I'm just trying to go all out doing what I can on and off the court. My role doesn’t stop,” said Reavis.
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While the lanky big's resolve was impressive at his age, it was the young buck in Zavier Lucero who led all Magnolia scorers with 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block.
William Navarro got his first win in a Hotshots uniform, producing 13 points, four rebounds and an assist in the process.
Mark Barroca added 11 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals as Magnolia dragged TNT lower in the standings.
As of posting, the Tropang 5G could only go as high as the sixth spot with a 6-5 tally.
RR Pogoy paced TNT with 18 points, seven rebounds, an assist and two steals, while Calvin Oftana played through an ankle sprain and still ended up with 15 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block.
Magnolia vs. TNT scores:
MAGNOLIA 88 – Lucero 24, Navarro 13, Barroca 11, Sangalang 9, Dela Rosa 7, Lee 7, Dionisio 7, Lastimosa 6, Reavis 4, Laput 0, Alfaro 0.
TNT 83 – Oftana 18, Pogoy 15, Erram 12, Heading 12, Williams 10, Khobuntin 7, Aurin 7, Galinato 2, Enciso 0, Variila 0, Vosotros 0, Heruela 0.
Quarterscores: 21-23, 49-43, 69-66, 88-83