Magnolia import Ricardo Ratliffe gestures after making a basket against Meralco in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Magnolia thrashed Meralco, 129-92, on Friday night to keep its playoff hopes alive in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Zavier Lucero had 22 points built on a perfect, 4-for-4 shooting from deep, to lead the Hotshots past the Bolts at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, and secure a spot in the playoff for the No. 8 seed against either Rain or Shine or NLEX.
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“Very proud and thankful of the players. They’ve been really working for it in practice and so they deserve to be in this position,” Magnolia coach Chito Victolero said.
READ: PBA: With sense of urgency, Magnolia scores key win over Hong Kong
“I think we have a good chance. We’re just grabbing opportunities,” he went on. “The only thing now is we have one game to prepare, hopefully, we can survive on Sunday.”
Ricardo Ratliffe led the way with 31 points and 19 rebounds, Ian Sangalang and Mark Barroca added 18 each while Calvin Abueva rounded out the double-digit finishers with 14.
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“Guys were playing with desperation and team basketball,” Lucero said. “And whenever we play with each other—and through each other—that’s when we play our best.”
READ: PBA: Magnolia boosts chase for 8th seed with win over Phoenix
Raymond Almazan had 23 points while CJ Cansino 11 more in the losing stand that gave Meralco a 7-4 win-loss record at the end of its elimination round campaign.
Luigi Trillo and his charges thus now play in a best-of-three quarterfinal series against a yet-to-be-determined foe.
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