Magnolia survives Phoenix in PBA semis opener

Magnolia import Tyler Bey hangs on to the rim against Phoenix in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Magnolia hurdled a grindout battle with Phoenix to win 82-79 and open the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals with a one-game lead in their best-of-five series Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Tyler Bey’s three-point play off a Paul Lee drop off with 1:27 remaining in the fourth quarter broke a 78-all tie which allowed the Hotshots to gain control for good and draw first blood in the matchup between the top team of the eliminations and the unexpected semifinalists.

Bey bucked some struggles to finish with 23 points and 10 rebounds and help Magnolia push to a position of going for a commanding 2-0 lead.

Game 2 is set Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Magnolia Hotshots during Game 1 of the PBA Comissioner’s Cup semifinals against Phoenix.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Paul Lee and Mark Barroca added 11 and 10 points in the Hotshots’ win that came despite a rough and tumble encounter and having to erase the Fuel Masters’ nine-point lead in the third.

Phoenix got 25 points and five rebounds from Jason Perkins, but the breaks went Magnolia’s way down the stretch.

Import Johnathan Williams was held to 11 points, but grabbed 18 rebounds and scored a sweeping hook with a foul to boot, knocking down the bonus shot to even the count at 78-all.

But Lee drove to the paint and found Bey, who was able to convert a three-point of his own to put Magnolia back ahead by three.

Magnolia vs Phoenix scores

MAGNOLIA 82—Bey 23, Lee 11, Barroca 10, Abueva 9, Sangalang 8, Dionisio 8, Jalalon 7, Laput 6, Dela Rosa 0, Tratter 0, Mendoza 0.

PHOENIX 79—Perkins 25, Jazul 13, Mocon 11, Williams 11, Tio 6, Tuffin 5, Garcia 3, Manganti 3, Lalata 2, Verano 0, Rivero 0, Soyud 0, Alejandro 0, Daves 0, Camacho 0.

Quarters: 18-16, 38-41, 61-60, 82-79.