By beating Phoenix, Magnolia rejoined NLEX, TNT and Rain or Shine in a four-way tie for top spot in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Even before the game kicked off, Magnolia coach LA Tenorio knew that his charges were in for a neck-and-neck battle against Phoenix Friday night, Oct. 31.
It did not look like it at first after the Hotshots led by as many as 14 points, but once the Fuel Masters eventually got their bearings, they made the Hotshots sweat for their fourth victory in five games.
“Una kong sinabi sa team during the pre-game was, 'If I’m going to describe this Phoenix team, they are relentless, they will not stop fighting. They will not stop playing until the end of the buzzer,” said Tenorio, whose squad nipped Phoenix, 83-80, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
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That was exactly what the Fuel Masters showed.
They slowly chipped away at Magnolia’s lead late in the match, getting to within a point on RR Garcia’s four-pointer, 80-81.
But Magnolia tightened its grip on the game, with Jerom Lastimosa sinking a pair of freebies with 15.4 ticks left.
The Hotshots then doubled down on defense to force Phoenix to come up empty-handed in the final play.
Tenorio emphasizes defense
Tenorio was pleased with Magnolia's defensive effort.
“Everyday siguro, 100 times kong sinasabi sa kanila na we have to defend, we have to defend,” said Tenorio.
“We won because of our defense. 'Yon ang lagi kong sinasabi sa mga players: We have to play defense until we get the ball.”
Lastimosa led Magnolia with 14 points and seven rebounds, Ian Sangalang contributed 11 points and six rebounds, while Zavier Lucero scored 10 for the Hotshots, who rejoined NLEX, TNT and Rain or Shine for a four-team logjam at the top of the leaderboard.
Meanwhile, Jason Perkins paced Phoenix with 19 points, five rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block.
Sean Manganti turned in 10 points, Garcia chipped in nine markers, while Ricci Rivero was held to six points after posting a career-high 23 the last time out.
The Fuel Masters dropped to 1-4.
Magnolia vs. Phoenix Scores:
Magnolia 83 – Lastimosa 14, Sangalang 11, Lucero 10, Lee 9, Dela Rosa 8, Gomez de Liano 8, Koon 5, Laput 4, Escoto 4, Barroca 2, Verano 2, Gomez 0
Phoenix 80 – Perkins 19, Manganti 10, Garcia 9, Tio 8, Rivero 6, Escandor 6, Ballungay 4, Daves 4, Nelle 3, Kwekuteye 3, Santos 3, Caperal 2, Ando 0, Jazul 0
Quarterscores: 22-14, 42-29, 66-54, 83-80
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.