The Hotshots delivered a commanding 112-81 victory over NLEX on Sunday, clinching the last spot in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs and ensuring their late-season push wasn’t in vain.
A Strong Late Season Push
After a tough 3-6 start, Coach Chito Victolero and his squad found their rhythm, putting together a series of strong performances to stay in the hunt. Their dominant win over the Road Warriors at the Ynares Center in Antipolo ultimately secured their playoff berth, rescuing what had been a challenging campaign.
Facing Another Do-or-Die Match
Despite the relief of making it to the postseason, Magnolia faces another do-or-die match in the quarterfinals against top-seeded NorthPort on Thursday. Still, the Hotshots are thankful just to be in the mix after many doubted their chances. “All the struggles, all the mistakes, all the injuries, and the frustrations that we had in the past, it boiled down to this game,” said Victolero, who has guided the team to the quarters in every season since 2016.
“Credit to all the players, thankful to them because we embraced that challenge, we embraced the struggles, and yung tinatawag naming grit, determination, perseverance, lumabas lahat sa game na to,” he added.
Key Contributions from Ratliffe and Lucero
Ricardo Ratliffe played a huge role in their resurgence, finishing with 32 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in 43 minutes. Zav Lucero was a standout off the bench, contributing 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a block without turning the ball over. Veteran Rome Dela Rosa added 13 points, including three three-pointers, while Ian Sangalang chipped in 13 points. Mark Barroca rounded out the offense with 11 points and six assists. The team’s impressive 30 assists were a stark contrast to NLEX’s eight, showcasing the Hotshots’ unselfish ball movement.
Third-Quarter Surge Leads to Victory
Their teamwork was pivotal in the third quarter, where they exploded for 36 points after the game was tied at 44 at halftime. This surge gave them an 80-67 lead heading into the final period.
“Thankful and appreciative and very grateful sa lahat ng players because you know, the character of this team, I believe in everybody here because we experienced it before, especially this guy,” said Victolero, as he acknowledged Ratliffe. “I told him to keep grinding, keep digging deep because this is the time that we need to have each other’s backs and stay together. I want the guys that have the experience and character to battle and to go to war,” he added.
Hotshots Ready for NorthPort Clash
The Hotshots’ journey from a precarious position to four straight wins has set them up for a clash with NorthPort in the quarters, a team they narrowly lost to earlier in the season. “I like our chances,” Victolero said. “Right now, we’re playing on both ends of the floor. Ang pinakagusto ko lang, we’re all healthy. This is only, I think, the second or third game that we’re fully healthy, lahat ng players ko.”
NLEX Struggles to Sustain Momentum
On the other hand, Robert Bolick led NLEX with 27 points and six assists, but the Road Warriors couldn’t sustain their early momentum after opening the game with a 15-4 run. They struggled in the second half, and key players like Mike Watkins were held in check. Javee Mocon (13 points), Kevin Alas (12), and rookie Xyrus Torres (10) did what they could, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Magnolia’s balanced attack.
NLEX Faces a Long Break
Coach Jong Uichico and his team now face a long break before preparing for the season-ending Philippine Cup, after missing the playoffs for the third time in the past seven conferences.
The Scores:
Magnolia: Ratliffe 32, Lucero 14, Dela Rosa 13, Sangalang 13, Barroca 11, Abueva 8, Dionisio 8, Lastimosa 5, Lee 4, Balanza 4, Alfaro 0, Laput 0, Eriobu 0.
NLEX: Bolick 27, Mocon 13, Alas 12, Watkins 10, Torres 10, Semerad 5, Nieto 2, Policarpio 2, Ramirez 0, Rodger 0, Herndon 0.
Quarter scores: 21-21, 44-44, 80-67, 112-81.
Read: Zav Lucero Faces NorthPort in the Quarterfinals With Focused Determination
