ANTIPOLO, Philippines – Magnolia’s long streak of playoff appearances is safe.
The Hotshots reached the playoffs for the 19th straight conference after a 112-81 romp of NLEX in a sudden death for the last quarterfinal berth in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center on Sunday, February 2.
Now fully healthy after nursing a shoulder injury in the tournament, Ricardo Ratliffe put up 32 points and 14 rebounds as Magnolia completed the quarterfinal cast and arranged a duel with top seed and twice-to-beat NorthPort.
“All the struggles, all the mistakes, all the injuries, and the frustrations that we had in the past, it boiled down to this game,” said Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero.
“Credit to all the players, thankful to them because we embraced that challenge, we embraced the struggles, and their grit, determination, and perseverance showed in this game.”
Making the playoffs proved to be an uphill climb as Magnolia once lost four straight games, but it turned its campaign around and earned a shot at the quarterfinals by ending the elimination round with three straight wins.
Pitted against a reinvigorated Road Warriors side riding on a similar three-game winning streak, the Hotshots banked on their signature suffocating defense to advance to the next round.
The first half ended in a 44-44 deadlock before Magnolia switched it up, erupting for 68 points and limiting NLEX to only 37 points in the last two quarters en route to a decisive win.
Ratliffe poured 22 points in the second half as he outdueled Road Warriors counter Mike Watkins, who got limited to just 10 points on 3-of-13 shooting to go with 14 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Zavier Lucero backed Ratliffe with 14 points and 6 rebounds, Rome dela Rosa chimed in with 13 points and 4 assists, while Ian Sangalang contributed 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals.
Mark Barroca added 11 points and 6 assists for the Hotshots, who look to win their fourth straight do-or-die game when they meet the well-rested Batang Pier on Thursday, February 6, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“I think they deserve to be in the quarterfinals, but this is only the start. We’re very happy because we caught the last trip,” said Victolero.
Robert Bolick posted 27 points and 6 assists in the loss that prevented the Road Warriors from advancing to the playoffs for the third straight conference.
Javee Mocon and Kevin Alas had 13 and 12 points, respectively, in the defeat.
The Scores
Magnolia 112 – Ratliffe 32, Lucero 14, Dela Rosa 13, Sangalang 13, Barroca 11, Abueva 8, Dionisio 8, Lastimosa 5, Lee 4, Balanza 4, Alfaro 0, Laput 0, Eriobu 0.
NLEX 81 – Bolick 27, Mocon 13, Alas 12, Watkins 10, Torres 10, Semerad 5, Nieto 2, Policarpio 2, Ramirez 0, Rodger 0, Herndon 0.
Quarters: 21-21, 44-44, 80-67, 112-81.
– Rappler.com