Magnolia returns to finals in OT win vs Rain or Shine

MAGNOLIA returned to the Philippine Cup finals with a 63-60 overtime win over Rain or Shine in Game 7 of their best-of-seven semifinals of Season 44 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup on Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Veteran Rafi Reavis and the Hotshots will face defending champion San Miguel Beer in a best-of-seven Finals’ rematch.

“I keep telling them to stay positive and remain in the game,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero. “Nobody expected us to be here and we’re No. 6 after the elimination round. But I’m thankful to the resiliency of this team. Nothing is impossible to God and I trust my players.”

The No. 2 Elasto Painters established a 39-22 lead early in the third period but the Hotshots finally found the hoop in the payoff canto and even seized a 55-52 lead in the 3:02 mark.

But Rey Nambatac fired a triple that tied the count at 55 with 1:20 left in regulation. Both teams missed the big baskets in the ensuing plays that sent the game into overtime.

Reavis, who had eight points, 20 rebounds and three blocks, gave the Hotshots more second chance attempts after picking up the crucial offensive rebounds.

Reavis scored on a putback that gave Magnolia a 61-58 lead before Rain or Shine Maverick Ahanmisi’s two free throws sliced the count to 60-61 with 1:11 left in the game. Reavis made it 62-60 with a split free throw and Magnolia played a strong defensive game to seal the win.

Ian Sangalang made both free throws prior to the final buzzer to peg the final count.

Sangalang and Paul Lee scored 11 points each to lead Magnolia.

Scores:

Magnolia 63 – Sangalang 11, Lee 11, Ramos 9, Reavis 8, Barroca 7, Dela Rosa 6, Brondial 5, Jalalon 3, Melton 3, Herndon 0.

Rain or Shine 60 – Yap 14, Norwood 11, Ponferada 9, Belga 7, Ahanmisi 7, Nambatac 5, Mocon 3, Borboran 2, Rosales 2, Torres 0, Daquioag 0.

Quarters: 14-7, 21-27, 37-44, 55-55, 63-60.