Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots secured the No. 5 seed in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals after beating Meralco Bolts, 93-76, on Sunday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Hotshots pulled away in the second quarter behind a decisive 16-0 run sparked by veteran guard Paul Lee, who connected on consecutive baskets from inside and beyond the arc to help Magnolia turn a slim lead into a commanding advantage.
Magnolia stayed in control for most of the contest, although Meralco mounted a fightback in the third quarter after scoring 35 points to trim the deficit to single digits.
Clint Chapman and Javi Gomez de Liaño, however, steadied the Hotshots in the final period as Magnolia restored order and sealed the victory heading into the playoffs.
With the win, Magnolia finished the elimination round with a 7-5 record and will await the result of the TNT Tropang 5G and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings showdown to determine its quarterfinal opponent.
If Ginebra wins, Magnolia will face Meralco anew in the quarterfinals, with the Bolts holding the twice-to-beat advantage.
Should TNT prevail, Magnolia and Ginebra will meet in another Manila Clasico playoff duel, with the Kings enjoying the win-once incentive. Chapman paced Magnolia with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Lee added 13 points. Gomez de Liaño contributed 10 markers in the victory. (AC)
