Magnolia import Tyler Bey hangs on to the rim against Phoenix within 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 of 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 within the fourth quarter broke a 78-all tie which allowed the Hotshots to achieve control for good and draw first blood within the matchup between the highest team of the eliminations and the unexpected semifinalists.
Bey bucked some struggles to complete with 23 points and 10 rebounds and help Magnolia push to a position of going for a commanding 2-0 lead.
Game 2 is ready 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 within the Hotshots’ win that got here despite a rough and tumble encounter and having to erase the Fuel Masters’ nine-point lead within the third.
Phoenix got 25 points and five rebounds from Jason Perkins, however 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 besides, pulling down the bonus shot to even the count at 78-all.
But Lee drove to the paint and located Bey, who was in a position to convert a three-point of his own to place 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.
