MANILA, Philippines – Magnolia Hotshots dispatch NLEX Road Warriors (4-2) in a tight game 6 (96-89) in a best of 7 semifinals 2018 PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on March 20, 2018 (Tuesday).
Photo by PBA images
Despite Ian Sangalang foul trouble in the opening quarter with 3 personal foul, he led Magnolia with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Magnolia could not find any rhythm in the opening quarter because of Ian Sangalang foul trouble who pick up early with 2 fouls in the 2 minutes of play that enable NLEX to cap their biggest lead (27-16).
Magnolia turns the favor of their own after Jr Quinahan ejected in the second period to end 49-46 at the half.
Magnolia only leads by (91-89) in the 2 minute frame and NLEX had the chance to tie, but Kiefer Ravena’s turn the ball over and passed to the wrong man that lead Mark Barroca’s to a three-point play. NLEX had another chance to trim the lead, but the Larry Fanciers pass was intercepted by Jio Jalalon to seal Magnolias win.
Mark Barroca and Jio Jalalon finished in double figure , Barroca added 14 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists while Jio Jalalon also had 11 points and 13 assist off the bench for Magnolia.
Mike Miranda led NLEX with 20 points and 8 rebounds, Larry Fonacier who scored 10 points in the opening quarter only finished with 17 points and 7 rebounds.
Magnolia will face the 3 three time defending Philippine Cup champion San Miguel, who already secured their finals spot last Saturday.
Game 1 of the finals will be on Friday, March 23, 2018 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Score
Magnolia (96) – Sangalang 15, Barroca 14, Jalalon 11, Ramos 10, Pascual 10, Lee 9, Dela Rosa 9, Reavis 6, Simon 6, Herndon 4, Brondial 2.
NLEX (89) – Miranda 20, Fonacier 17, Baguio 10, Ravena 9, Mallari 8, Taulava 7, Soyud 6, Tiongson 5, Quinahan 4, Ighalo 3.
Quarter Scoring
First Quarter: Magnolia (20-29)
Second Quarter: (29-17)
Third Quarter: (22-22)
Fourth Quarter: (25-21) NLEX
Total: 96-89
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