PBA: Magnolia turns back Terrafirma to keep playoff hopes alive

Magnolia Hotshots’ Zavier Lucero during a game against Terrafirma Dyip in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

Shorthanded Magnolia held off Terrafirma, 89-84, to get back on track in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday night.

The Hotshots, behind one-two punch of import Ricardo Ratliffe and Zav Lucero, notched their third win in eight meetings breathing life into their fading playoff chances.

READ: PBA: Look forward, Paul Lee urges ‘heavy’ Magnolia Hotshots

Ratliffe had 32 points and 14 rebounds, while Lucero 14 and six to lead the contributions from the locals that include double-digit performances from Ian Sangalang and Jerom Lastimosa.

Paul Lee missed the match no thanks to a meniscus issue that could keep him sidelined until Jan. 16 at the earliest.

Stanley Pringle had 22 points, while import Brandon Edwards 14 and Kevin Ferrer 11 for the Dyip, who suffered their ninth loss and saw their chances of advancing to the next round evaporate.

Terrence Romeo finally played his first game with the whipping boys, but the former league Scoring Champion was only able to produce three points.

Up next for the perennial bridesmaids is sister team San Miguel in a duel penciled this Sunday.

The Scores :

MAGNOLIA 89 – Ratliffe 32, Lucero 17, Sangalang 13, Lastimosa 11, Dionisio 8, Barroca 4, Alfaro 2, Ahanmisi 2, Balanza 0, Abueva 0, Laput 0, Dela Rosa 0, Mendoza 0

TERRAFIRMA 84 – Pringle 22, Edwards 14, Ferrer 11, Nonoy 8, Paraiso 7, Manuel 6, Catapusan 5, Romeo 3, Carino 2, Hernandez 0, Melecio 0, Ramos 0

Quarterscores : 28-25, 41-40, 68-66, 89-84.