Hotshots survive Beermen behind Chism's solid game
MANILA, Philippines — Magnolia weathered defending conference champions San Miguel Beer en route to a 101-97 decision, ending their elimination campaign on a high note in the nightcap of Saturday's PBA Commissioner’s Cup action at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Dome.
Import Wayne Chism — who was just playing his second game with the Hotshots in the mid-season joust — led Magnolia with 21 points. He poured 12 in the opening period alone, as if denying the stacked Beermen from gaining any sort of momentum going deep into the game.
"Going into the playoffs, it's a good win for us, a good victory for us. We know it’s not easy going to the playoffs. Marami kaming pinagdaanan. Madaming challenges, import changes, injuries. Now I think, sa last two games namin, nakuha namin ‘yung character namin,” Magnolia mentor Chito Victolero said.
“Ang pinagusapan lang namin kanina before this game, we must try to compete, we’ll give our best effort and energy to win this game,” he added.
Renaldo Balkman, San Miguel’s foreign reinforcement, led the Beermen with 31 points. Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo chimed in 18 points while skipper Arwind Santos and Marcio Lassiter contributed 13 and 12, respectively.
Fajardo threatened to pull the rug on the Hotshots halfway through the final frame, but Sangalang — together with Lee and Mark Barroca — buoyed Magnolia until the final buzzer rang.
The win marks the second straight victory for Magnolia, affording them a big boost heading into a quarterfinal clash with the twice-to-beat Alaska Aces. Their series takes top-billing Tuesday night.
The Hotshots, who just settled for the seventh place in the ladder, could’ve snared the sixth place had they won over the Beermen by 14 points. That would’ve pitted them against the TNT who are would not be enjoying a playoff incentive.
"If they give us a chance to grab that 14-point lead, we’ll grab it. But ‘di namin nakuha sa dulo,” Victolero noted. “I’m very happy parin doon sa panalo ‘cause it gives us momentum going to the playoffs.”
The Beermen, for their part, will be facing KaTropa instead. They finished the first round with a 6-5 record, just like the Hotshots.
The Scores
Magnolia (101): Chism 21, Lee 14, Sangalang 14, Barroca 11, Herndon 10, Jalalon 9, Melton 8, Brondial 5, Dela Rosa 4, Simon 3, Gamalinda 2, Reavis 0, Ramos 0
San Miguel (97): Balkman 31, Fajardo 18, Santos 13, Lassiter 12, Ross 9, Cabagnot 9, Nabong 5, Rosser 0, Heruela 0
Quarter scores: 29-27, 45-44, 78-76, 101-97
Here’s the Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals sked. #PBA2018 pic.twitter.com/DBQoRkVZRP
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrd) July 7, 2018
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