PBA: Hotshots clinch no. 6 in playoffs, rout Road Warriors

Paul Lee leads Magnolia Hotshots. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Magnolia scored a 102-74 rout of NLEX to secure the sixth seed and forge a quarterfinal duel with Barangay Ginebra Wednesday night at the resumption of the PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With one scenario possibly sending them to a twice-to-win hole, the Hotshots didn’t leave anything to chance.

Lethargic at first, Paul Lee asserted himself in the opening quarter and then for the rest of the game as Mark Barroca and Aldrech Ramos began chiming in significant contributions.

But more than the victory, Hotshots mentor Chito Victolero is more ecstatic with securing a comfortable playoff spot.

“We achieved our goal and that is to get the sixth spot,” he told reporters. in Filipino. “Now we can focus on the quarterfinals, the playoffs. I’m happy because we were able to secure an equal opportunity—a best-of-three.”

“Although it’s going to be hard because we’ll play a top team in Ginebra. But again, it’s a best-of-three. Our foes won’t be enjoying an advantage,” he added.

Lee shot the lights out, drilling six of his nine triples en route to a team-best 26 points. Ramos had 15 while Mark Barroca had 14—all coming from the third period alone.

“Our defense proved to be a big factor. We limited NLEX under 90. Otherwise, they would’ve beaten us,” Victolero said.

Bong Galanza emerged as the lone bright spot in a lackluster showing by the Road Warriors, who trailed by as many as 31 at one point, with the only double-digit scoring performance of 10 markers.

The Magnolia mentor pointed to the All-Star break as among the other factors that helped them mount such a performance.

“Now, the players have gotten into a rhythm,” he said, adding that a handful of his wards were able to rest for three days and the ones who “feeling something” for four days.

The win ended Hotshots’ elimination round campaign at 6-5. Ironically, they’ve also breathed life to the playoff bid of Alaska—which they defeated in the last Governors’ Cup for the title—who is going to settle for a do-or-die this Friday.

“We know Ginebra can beat us, but we can also do the same,” Victolero said of his team’s looming quarterfinal matchup. “It’s going to be tough, but I like my chances.”

“I just hope the next round opens a bit later, so we could prepare better.”

The Hotshots and the No. 3 Gin Kings series begins this Saturday at MOA Arena.

The Scores
MAGNOLIA 102 — Lee 26, Ramos 15, Barroca 14, Sangalang 10, Jalalon 8, Herndon 6, Melton 5, Simon 5, Brondial 5, Reavis 2, Gamalinda 2, Dela Rosa 2, Pascual 2, Calisaan 0, Abundo 0.

NLEX 74 — Galanza 10, Ighalo 9, Tallo 8, Quinahan 8, Erram 7, Rios 6, Paniamogan 6, Varilla 6, Magat 6, Soyud 4, Baguio 2, Lao 2, Tiongson 0, Taulava 0, Paredes 0.

Quarters: 20-16; 46-30; 77-54; 102-74.