Magnolia Hotshots forward Calvin Abueva. PBA IMAGES
ANTIPOLO CITY—Magnolia maintained its hold on the top spot in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup following a 90-80 victory over Phoenix on Saturday at Ynares Center here.
Import Nick Rakocevic and Calvin Abueva had double-double performances as the Hotshots cruised to their seventh win in eight matches to keep a half-game lead over the Bay Area Dragons and Converge FiberXers.
Rakocevic had 18 points, 18 rebounds, four steals and two blocks while Abueva added 15 points and 12 rebounds.
The victory came before Magnolia faces two tough games next week against San Miguel on November 16 and Bay Area on November 19.
The Hotshots gave the Fuel Masters a rough outing, resulting in the latter dropping their second straight match.
Phoenix remained in the middle of the pack at 5-5 despite the twin setbacks, the other came at the hands of Converge last Wednesday.
Sean Anthony produced 17 points and 10 rebounds, leading a charge that saw Phoenix close in at seven in the fourth.
But that was the Fuel Masters’ best chance at catching up as the Hotshots eventually restored order in their favor.
The Scores:
MAGNOLIA 90 — Rakocevic 18, Abueva 15, Jalalon 12, Barroca 11, Lee 10, Sangalang 10, Dela Rosa 8, Wong 4, Dionisio 2, Corpuz 0, Ahanmisi 0.
PHOENIX 80 — Anthony 17, Jazul 11, Mocon 10, Wesson 9, Tio 7, Manganti 5, Rios 5, Camacho 4, Perkins 4, Adamos 3, Garcia 3, Robles 2, Pascual 0, Serrano 0.
Quarters: 27-18, 50-36, 76-66, 90-80.