The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots survived a late surge by the Phoenix Fuel Masters to secure a 110-104 victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Thursday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Leading by 11 points at 105-94 with just over three minutes remaining, the Hotshots saw their advantage shrink to 105-99 after a 5-0 run by the Fuel Masters, led by Kai Ballungay and Donovan Smith.
The Hotshots widened the lead to 106-99 on a split free throw by Rome dela Rosa, but the Fuel Masters closed the gap further at 102-106 on a Ballungay triple before Magnolia increased it back to 108-102 on two free throws by Zavier Lucero.
The Fuel Masters made their last push at 104-108 on a basket by Jason Perkins before they had a chance to tie the score, but Ballunggay missed on a late outside shot. Hotshots’ Andy Mark Barroca sealed the win on two free throws.
Lucero led the way for the Hotshots with 25 points, Barroca and Ricardo Ratliffe added 22 markers apiece, while Peter Alfaro stepped up in lieu of injured Paul Lee with 14 points as they improved to a 4-6 record.
“We just tried to find the guys that can fill the shoes of Paul Lee; we had a hard time to score, especially in our previous game (against the San Miguel Beermen),” said Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero after the game.
Smith top-scored for the Fuel Masters with 40 points, including four four-point shots; Perkins and RJ Jazul added 15 points apiece, while Ballungay ended with 13 as they dropped to a 3-6 mark.
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