LIVE UPDATES: Magnolia vs Phoenix PBA semis January 31

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

PBA Magnolia Hotshots

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

@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

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.

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