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Offensive-minded Magnolia drubs Meralco to live for another day

Sports | Basketball

Offensive-minded Magnolia drubs Meralco to live for another day

By Reynald I. Magallon

At A Glance

Magnolia lived to fight another day and took down Meralco, 129-92, to force a do-or-die match for the No. 8 spot in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup at the PhilSports Arena on Friday, Jan. 31.

Magnolia lived to fight another day and took down Meralco, 129-92, to force a do-or-die match for the No. 8 spot in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena on Friday, Jan. 31.

The Hotshots, known as a defensive team, were surprisingly offensive-minded against the Bolts, exploding for 73 in the first half to pull away for good and finish the elimination in tie with NLEX with similar 6-6 records at the eighth to ninth spots.

Ricardo Ratliffe presided over the strong start for Magnolia before eventually finishing with a game-high 31 points to go with 19 rebounds, four assists and two steals against an import-less Meralco

Zav Lucero gave ample support with 22 points while Ian Sangalang and Mark Barroca displayed the veteran poise with stellar output of 18 points in a do-or-die game.

Calvin Abueva also chipped in 14 for the Hotshots who are now awaiting the outcome of the second game between TNT and Rain or Shine to determine their opponent for the playoff for the No. 8 spot.

A loss for ROS would mean it will be facing Magnolia in the knockout game set on Sunday, Feb. 2 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo while a victory for the Elasto Painters would mean the Hotshots will play the Road Warriors instead.

Raymond Almazan tried to hold the fort in the absence of Akil Mitchell, who missed his second straight game due to back spasms, but his 23 points went down the drain.

CJ Cansino was only the other double-digit scorer for the Bolts with 11.

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