by Jonas Terrado
Game Thursday (Cuneta Astrodome)
7 p.m. – Phoenix Pulse vs San Miguel
(San Miguel leads series 3-1)
Game Friday (Ynares Center, Antipolo City)
7 p.m. – Magnolia vs Rain or Shine
(Magnolia leads series 3-2)
Magnolia moved within the doorstep of advancing to the PBA Philippine Cup Finals after outlasting Rain or Shine, 82-74, for a 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven semifinals at the Cuneta Astrodome.
A basket by Ian Sangalang and a three-point play by Rafi Reavis with 1:36 remaining in the fourth gave the Hotshots the big cushion at 78-71 after the Elasto Painters attempted multiple times to take the lead in the final minutes.
Magnolia's Ian Sangalang tries to score against Rain or Shine's Nortbert Torres (MB photo | Rio Leonelle Deluvio)
The backcourt tandem of Jio Jalalon and Mark Barroca scored 14 points, making up for Paul Lee’s scoreless outing as Magnolia won its third straight after falling behind 0-2.
A trip to its third finals appearance in the last four conferences will be Magnolia’s goal in Friday’s Game 6 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Scores:
MAGNOLIA 82 – Barroca 14, Jalalon 14, Reavis 9, Brondial 9, Sangalang 8, Herndon 8, Dela Rosa 7, Ramos 7, Melton 6, Lee 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 74 – Norwood 15, Yap 12, Borboran 11, Daquioag 9, Torres 8, Nambatac 6, Belga 5, Rosales 3, Mocon 3, Ahanmisi 2, Ponferada 0.
Quarters: 16-10, 40-34, 58-57, 82-74.