Tyler Bay (with ball) will help provide the spark in the Hotshots’ bid to shut-out the Fuel Masters. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Magnolia feels the manner of how it won the first two games of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup semifinals is no reason for the Hotshots to feel that sweeping Phoenix is going to be moot and academic.
“I think we will see a different Phoenix team this time,” Paul Lee said after the Hotshots moved on the cusp of a Finals berth after recovering in the final frame to pull out an 82-78 win on Friday at SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Their bid to put away the Fuel Masters starts at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the same venue as they aim to get back to the big league’s grandest stage for the first time since the 2021 Philippine Cup.
The championship matchup could be known by the end of the Pasay City twinbill if Magnolia goes on to win and San Miguel Beer dethrones Barangay Ginebra in the 6:30 p.m. nightcap.
San Miguel is also ahead, 2-0, in the other semis following Friday’s 106-96 victory.
“This Game 3 will be the hardest game,” coach Chito Victolero said. “We will try to finish it off on Sunday. But like I said, this is the hardest part which is closing out the series.”
Magnolia had to scrap its way in getting two wins, including Game 2, albeit after squandering an early lead and trailing in the fourth quarter.
The Hotshots were ahead, 30-14, after the first quarter, only to see the Fuel Masters inch their way back and eventually tie things up before the third quarter came to a close.
Import Johnathan Williams III and Jason Perkins led the charge in putting Phoenix ahead, 76-71, in the final period, until Magnolia made its run.
Winning sequence
The sequence saw Jio Jalalon scoring a baseline jumper, backup center James Laput converting a three-point play and Tyler Bey bringing the Hotshots back ahead.
“I think they outworked and outhustled us through the first 40 to 44 minutes of the game. We just matched their energy in the end,” said Victolero.“We were just fortunate to pull out the win,” Victolero went on. “It’s an ugly win, but we’ll take it.”
Victolero was particularly thankful for the man who hit the dagger shot that sealed it for Magnolia.
A turnover by Phoenix off the inbound, a no-no especially after coach Jamike Jarin called a timeout, set the stage for Paul Lee to knock down a three-pointer from almost the center court logo that made it 81-76.
Lee’s marksmanship from way out is no longer a surprise as hitting those is more of a casual move than a desperation try. He won the Most Valuable Player of last year’s All-Star Game in Passi City, Iloilo, after hitting multiple attempts from beyond a special four-point line the PBA placed as part of the exhibition classic.
He only had six points, but those last three came in a timely manner.
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“I think that’s the only open shot that I had the whole game,” said Lee. “The way they defended was like playing four-on-four and I just took advantage of it.”
