Zav Lucero took charge as Magnolia outlasted Phoenix, 110-104, to give its playoff bid a much-needed shot in the arm in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday, Jan. 16.
Magnolia’s playoff bid gets much-needed boost with win over Phoenix
At a glance
Zav Lucero took charge as Magnolia outlasted Phoenix, 110-104, to give its playoff bid a much-needed shot in the arm in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday, Jan. 16.
The versatile forward fired 12 of his 25 points in the payoff period to help the Hotshots create some sort of separation – enough to endure a late rally from the Fuel Masters who were, likewise, in dire need of a win.
Lucero had a perfect 10-of-10 clip from the foul line and shot 50-percent from the field – including the two booming triples he drained from the same spot at the left corner to push Magnolia’s lead to a comfortable 105-91 advantage halfway through the payoff period.
Phoenix, which was hoping to keep its two-game winning run going heading into the contest, did make a last-ditch run and came within four, 104-108, before the Hotshots held on for the victory that allowed them to improve to a 4-6 slate.
Magnolia, however, remained outside the Magic 8 at the ninth spot, a full game behind No. 8 San Miguel which boasts an even 4-4 record.
Import Ricardo Ratliffe also continued with his fine play with 22 points, 19 rebounds and two blocks while Mark Barroca also added 22 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Rookie Peter Alfaro also stepped up in spot start for injured star Paul Lee with 14 points.
After a tied ball game at the break, 50-50, the Hotshots came out firing in the third frame and exploded for 33 points to take control although Phoenix managed to keep in step behind the hot outside sniping of its import Donovan Smith.
Smith erupted for 40 points, built on four four-pointers and three triples to go with his six rebounds, three assist, two steals and a block.
RJ Jazul and Jason Perkins added 15 apiece while Kai Ballungay, who was a spark off the bench for Phoenix in the final frame, had 13 for the Fuel Masters who slipped to a 3-6 record at the 10th to 11th spots in tie with NLEX Road Warriors.