PBA: Magnolia holds off NLEX to stay unbeaten at 5-0
Magnolia import Mike Harris. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia survived NLEX, 112-109, to maintain its hold of the top seed in the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Hotshots remained perfect as they improved to a 5-0 record while the Road Warriors, who once held the top spot this conference, slipped to 4-3 following their third straight loss.
Mike Harris proved big in the clutch for Magnolia in his team’s final possession, driving past KJ McDaniels to sink in a reverse layup for the game’s final field goal with 12.9 seconds left.
Harris it is! 108-105 Magnolia edge. #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/6j6WLEhGvB
— PBA (@pbaconnect) February 16, 2022
The Road Warriors had the chance to tie the game but McDaniels bricked a three-pointer from the left wing while Don Trollano missed a longer attempt with around six seconds left after catching the offensive rebound.
“We need these close wins because during the playoffs these kind of games will surely come,” said Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero. “I credit my players for the 5-0 start because they committed to the system and it’s all about team effort really.”
Mark Barroca gives Magnolia a 110-107 lead!#PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/XDMGjN5Wh7
— PBA (@pbaconnect) February 16, 2022
Staring at a 92-81 deficit early in the fourth, Magnolia blitzed to an 11-0 run with Aris Dionisio converting on a layup to tie the game at 92-92 with 7:52 to play.
The Road Warriors countered down the stretch with Kevin Alas knocking down a triple to take a 105-104 lead with 2:58 to play.
Harris had a team-high 31 points with 10 rebounds to lead the Hotshots while Paul Lee added 21 points.
McDaniels finished led NLEX with 35 points, 13 rebounds, and six blocks while Alas added 22 points and five boards.
