MANILA – Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots overcame a tough challenge from Terrafirma Dyip for an 89-84 victory in the 2024-25 PBA Commissioner’s Cup last night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
Holding to a slim 85-81 lead, the Hotshots got a break after Dyip’s Brent Paraiso missed two missed free throws before they widened the advantage to 87-81 on two free throws by Zavier Lucero.
The Dyip made its last push on a three-pointer by Brandon Edwards, but the Hotshots responded with an inside basket from Ricardo Ratliffe with 29 seconds left to seal the win.
Ratliffe finished with a double-double of 32 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Hotshots, while Lucero chipped in 17 markers, including a 12-of-12 shooting from the free throw area.
Ian Sangalang chipped in 13 points and seven rebounds, while rookie Jerom Lastimosa ended with 11 points for the Hotshots, which notched their third win in eight games.
“Backs against the wall na kami. We have four remaining games after this so we cannot afford to lose any of them,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero after the game.
“Ang pinag-uusapan namin dito, if we can win all of those, much better. Pero ang goal muna namin is to take them one game at a time starting with this one,” he added.
Stanley Pringle top-scored for the Dyip with 22 points, while Edwards and Kevin Ferrer added 14 and 11 markers, respectively, as they suffered their ninth loss in as many games./PN
BOX 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
QUARTERS : 28-25, 41-40, 68-66, 89-84
