MANILA – Magnolia Hotshots overhauled a 17-point deficit to take a 63-60 overtime win over Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the do-or-die Game 7 of the 2019 Honda PBA Philippine Cup semifinals last night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Down by as much as 17 points in the third period following a barrage of triples from the Painters, the Hotshots went on a run and were able to come to as close as 40-44 on back-to-back triples from Aldrech Ramos.
The Hotshots continued their run in the fourth to take a 50-48 lead on back-to-back shots from Ian Sangalang. Another hit by Sangalang and a triple from Rome dela Rosa surged Magnolia ahead at 55-52 before ROS forced overtime on Rey Nambatac trey.
The Hotshots opened the overtime with back-to-back hits from Sangalang and Paul Lee for a 59-55 edge. Gabe Norwood triple pushed the deficit down to 58-59 before Rafael Reavis came up with a huge shot to extend Hotshots’ edge to 61-58.
Magnolia remained on top at 62-60 on two free throws by ROS’ Maverick Ahanmisi and split freebie by Reavis before Painters James Yap was blocked on his basket try. Sangalang then sealed the win for the Hotshots with a free throw.
Sangalang finished the match with double-double 11 points and 15 rebounds, while Reavis added eight points, 20 rebounds and three blocks. Lee also chipped in 11 markers for the Hotshots.
The victory allowed the Hotshots to set up a best-of-seven finals rematch with the four-time defending champions San Miguel Beermen starting May 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Yap finished with 14 points, including two triples, while Norwood chipped in 11 markers, seven rebounds and four assists for the Painters, which ended up at fourth place in the Philippine Cup./PN
