Paul Lee’s clutch three lifts Magnolia past Phoenix in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
MANILA, Philippines–Magnolia kept it together in crunch time against Phoenix Super LPG to pull out an 82-78 win on Friday night and seize a 2-0 lead in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal race.
Silent for most of the game, Paul Lee nailed a triple from near the Mall of Asia Arena’s halfcourt logo to give the Hotshots a five-point edge that eventually proved to be too big to overcome for the Fuel Masters.
“I have known Paul for eight years now. I know he can hit any shots. He made a lot of shots in our previous games. He has always practiced that shot,” said head coach Chito Victolero shortly after the triumph at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
READ: PBA: Defense is key for Magnolia in semis Game 1 win over Phoenix
“That’s the hardest game–the closeout game. I’ve been there before. I think we need to lock in. We’ve achieved nothing. We’ll try our best to finish it on Sunday,” he went on, referring to the return match.
PAUL LEE FOR THREEE!!!
After a steal on the Phoenix possession by Jio Jalalon, Paul Lee sinks a huge triple to extend Magnolia’s lead to five, 81-76.
55.4 seconds remain. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/9SGK6YdFQL
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) January 26, 2024
Import Tyler Bey starred with 25 points and 12 rebounds, hitting the go-ahead basket with 2:10 remaining in the nip-and-tuck affair at the bayside arena. Jio Jalalon added 17 and six. Rome dela Rosa, Mark Barroca and Calvin Abueva all added at least eight more to go with Lee’s six to move to the doorstep of a PBA Finals appearance.
Import Johnathan Williams III had 27 points and 16 rebounds while Jason Perkins had 17 and 13 for Phoenix, who looked on pace to snare an equalizer and their 100th franchise victory.
Magnolia vs Phoenix scores
MAGNOLIA 82 – Bey 25, Jalalon 17, Dela Rosa 9, Abueva 8, Barroca 8, Laput 7, Lee 6, Reavis 2, Sangalang 0, Dionisio 0, Mendoza 0.
PHOENIX 78 – Williams 27, Perkins 17, Tuffin 10, Mocon 7, Jazul 6, Tio 5, Soyud 3, Rivero 2, Manganti 1, Lalata 0, Garcia 0, Alejandro 0, Daves 0, Verano 0, Camacho 0.
Quarterscores: 30-14, 43-34, 62-60, 82-78.