2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semis schedule (January 31)
Mall of Asia Arena
8 p.m. Magnolia Hotshots vs Phoenix Fuel Masters
Magnolia ousts Phoenix to set up PBA Finals duel vs San Miguel
FILE – Magnolia Hotshots are headed to the PBA Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Magnolia arranged a showdown with sister team San Miguel Beer for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup title after ending the fairytale run of Phoenix, 89-79, in Game 4 of their semifinal series Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Hotshots made sure that there wouldn’t be any collapse this time as they leaned on a strong first quarter anchored by Mark Barroca before their defense prevented the Fuel Masters from completing any of their comeback tries in the second half.
PBA semis Game 4: Phoenix Fuel Masters vs Magnolia Hotshots
FINAL: Magnolia advances to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals after defeating Phoenix, 89-79.
The Hotshots will face the San Miguel Beermen in a best-of-seven title series. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/kHABdcRCbZ
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) January 31, 2024
@inquirersports Ah, don’t you just love that feeling? 😌 #MarkBarroca just had to hug coach #ChitoVictolero after #Magnolia secured a seat in the #PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. 🐓 #fyp #tiktokph #sports #basketball ♬ original sound – jayjoseph.j2x
@inquirersports The Johnathan Williams block then the Jayjay Alejandro triple—from defense to offense! #Phoenix is staying alive in Game 4 of the #PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals against #Magnolia. #fyp #tiktokph #sports #basketball ♬ original sound – INQUIRER Sports
Magnolia with a 49-38 halftime lead over Phoenix in Game 4 of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Hotshots are hoping to finish off the Fuel Masters this time and set up a Finals showdown with the San Miguel Beermen @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/n2QULKbcJN
— Jonas Terrado (@jonasterradoINQ) January 31, 2024
After 1
Magnolia 2️⃣9️⃣
Phoenix 1️⃣6️⃣Mark Barroca already with 12 markers in the 1q #PBAAngatAngLaban pic.twitter.com/m488Ay7eCw
— PBA (@pbaconnect) January 31, 2024
Dionisio 💦
19-7 Magnolia lead #PBAAngatAngLaban pic.twitter.com/Rsa1UDIO5R
— PBA (@pbaconnect) January 31, 2024
Phoenix finally on the board with this Tuffin trey! They trail, 3-10, 8:29 1q #PBAangatAngLaban pic.twitter.com/Bd5qKsOC4A
— PBA (@pbaconnect) January 31, 2024
Finally with some momentum, Phoenix again tries to stave off elimination
Phoenix Fuel Masters’ RJ Jazul and Johnathan Williams in the PBA semifinals series against Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Phoenix Super LPG was finally able to break free from the clutches of defensive-minded Magnolia and win a game in their semifinals series in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday.
Now dangled with a chance to level the series with the top-ranked Hotshots, the Fuel Masters, naturally, are raring to keep the fire burning.
“I think our chances are good,” swingman Sean Manganti, one of the heroes of that 103-85 comeback victory at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, said as Game 4 unfurls at 8 p.m. at the same venue.
Deep rotation for San Miguel bundles out Ginebra in PBA semis
San Miguel Beermen’s June Mar Fajardo in the PBA semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
For a third straight game, San Miguel brandished its depth and found success. Only on Sunday night, the traditional powerhouse did so to dethrone Barangay Ginebra and march on to another trip to a PBA championship series.
The Beermen, led by impressive stretch big import Bennie Boatwright Jr. and spark plug Jericho Cruz, slipped past the Gin Kings, 94-91, to tab the first seat in the Commissioner’s Cup finalé.