Magnolia fends off Phoenix for 3rd straight win

PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia held off a hard-fighting Phoenix Pulse, 99-96, extending their winning streak to three games in the PBA Commissioner Cup in the nightcap Saturday at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay.  

Mark Barroca and Ian Sanggalang, who both came off the bench, ignited the Hotshots’ sporadic bursts early in the fourth period to generate separation from the Fuel Masters. The pair combined for 19 points.

But it was Paul Lee and James Farr—the team’s top two performers with 27 and 26 points, respectively—who sealed the deal for Magnolia, whose record in the midseason conference improved to 3-2.

“We expected it to be a dog-fight, a grind-out game. But thanks to my players who stepped up in the defensive end,” Magnolia coach Chito Victolero said.

Richard Howell, Phoenix’s import, did the heavy lifting with 36 points and 20 rebound. Matthew Wright added 19 in the scoring effort, to round out the double-digit performers for the Fuel Masters, who dropped to 2-4. 

“It’s very hard, though, because we’re about to play back-to-back games again. But the good thing is that we’re getting our rhythm back,” he added.

The game also marked the return of forward Marc Pingris, who played his first game since the 2018 Philippine Cup semifinals. 

“We’re not rushing,” he said. “We’re working on him bit by bit until he gets his groove back.” 

Both teams brace for character tests with Magnolia taking on Philippine Cup Finals tormentor San Miguel Beer and Phoenix going up against top-ranked NorthPort in in a double-header slated for Wednesday at the Big Dome.

The scores:

Magnolia 99 – Lee 27, Farr 26, Barroca 11, Jalalon 10, Dela Rosa 8, Sangalang 8, Brondial 7, Melton 2, Pascual 0, Pingris 0, Herndon 0.

Phoenix 96 – Howell 36, Wright 19, Jazul 15, Chua 8, Marcelo 7, Mallari 6, Wilson 3, Dennison 2, Perkins 0, Kramer 0, Intal 0.

Quarterscores: 23-24, 47-45, 71-67, 99-96.