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MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia came back from the depths and gutted out a 112-105 double overtime victory over NLEX to get back on the winning column in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Hotshots were down by as much as 16 points, 82-66, but used a strong fourth quarter to outscore the Road Warriors 23-10 and force overtime tied at 94.
Down three with less than 10 seconds left in OT, Magnolia’s seldom-used forward Aris Dionisio drilled a wild 3-pointer to send the game to another extension at 104-all.
2.4 OT Dionisio big 3, Quinahan fouls out.
104-all.#PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/fvAmSKJQV7
— PBA (@pbaconnect) September 8, 2021
Magnolia put the clamps on NLEX in the second OT with the Hotshots limiting the Road Warriors to just a point.
Ian Sangalang hit two straight layups to give the Hotshots an early 108-104 lead while the Road Warriors could only muster one successful free throw courtesy of Anthony Semerad.
“It all came down to grit and determination, we were down by 17 (16) in the third and we just tried to compose and limit our turnovers,” said Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero as his team improved to 6-2.. “We first cut the lead to single digits in the fourth then we took it bit by bit.”
“It’s thanks to our determination and hustle. This group of guys, I’m very proud of them. They really worked hard and they really deserved to win. Come the second overtime their heart and energy was still there.”
Jio Jalalon’s layup then gave Magnolia a 110-105 lead with 2:15 left before Sangalang iced the game with a jumper.
Calvin Abueva finished with 23 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks marking his league-best fourth double-double of the conference for the Hotshots while Sangalang added 21 points and grabbed eight boards.
Jericho Cruz put up 21 points, six rebounds, eight assists, and three steals for the Road Warriors, who got their three-game winning streak snapped as they dropped to 4-3.