Magnolia Hotshots import Clint Chapman against Meralco Bolts reinforcement Marvin Jones in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup. PBA Images.MANILA — The Magnolia Hotshots fended off a second-half rally by the Meralco Bolts to score a 93-76 win and secure the fifth seed ahead of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
LA Tenorio’s wards will face either Meralco or rival Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the quarterfinals after notching their seventh win in 12 games to close the eliminations, enough to overtake the San Miguel Beermen in the standings.
Clint Chapman continued his strong play heading into the postseason with 19 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, while Paul Lee led Magnolia’s locals with 13 points on two three-pointers.
”It’s a good win for us. We gained a lot in this game heading into the playoffs. It’s really big para sa amin lalo na solid yung defense ng Meralco,” said Lee.
Javi Gomez de Liaño also contributed for the Hotshots, who restored a 20-point cushion late in the fourth quarter to thwart Meralco’s comeback bid.
The Bolts finished the eliminations with eight wins against four losses. They could still secure the third seed should TNT Tropang 5G defeat Ginebra later Sunday night, but could also slip to fourth and face Magnolia anew if the Gin Kings prevail.
Marvin Jones tallied 14 points, six rebounds, and two assists for Meralco, which lost Cliff Hodge to an ejection in the third quarter after a flagrant foul on Mark Barroca, while Brandon Bates exited due to health concerns.
Javee Mocon added 12 points for the Bolts, who trimmed what was once a 21-point deficit down to eight.
Despite the loss, Meralco still holds a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
The Scores:
Magnolia 93 – Chapman 19, Lee 13, Gomez de Liano 10, Sangalang 9, Lastimosa 8, Lucero 8, Barroca 8, Andrada 6, Verano 6, Dela Rosa 3, Alfaro 2, Gomez 1, Laput 0, Taha 0.
Meralco 76 – Jones 14, Mocon 14, Cansino 10, Hodge 10, Brickman 9, Quinto 8, Newsome 7, Black 2, Magbuhos 1, Bates 1, Banchero 0, Pascual 0.
Quarterscores: 18-14, 46-30, 74-65, 93-76.