Magnolia held off Phoenix’s last-ditch comeback for an 83-80 victory to create a four-way tie for the lead in the PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Jerom Lastimosa had 14 points and seven assists while Paul Lee knocked down all of his three triples for nine points as the Hotshots improved to 4-1, equaling the win-loss marks of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, TNT Tropang 5G and NLEX Road Warriors. But coach LA Tenorio’s wards had to stave off the Fuel Masters in the dying seconds after RR Garcia’s four-pointer trimmed an 81-74 lead down to one, 81-80.
Lastimosa drained two foul shots after being clipped by Garcia on the next play, before Magnolia prevented Phoenix from going for a game-tying three as Tyler Tio settled for a medium-range jumper that he missed.
Rookie forward Chris Koon scored five points and dished out one assist in almost 21 minutes for the Hotshots in his debut since being traded from the Titan Ultra Giant Risers. Jason Perkins posted 19 points and five rebounds, but Phoenix dropped in a tie for last place with Titan Ultra and Terrafirma at 1-4.
Ricci Rivero scored just six points after a string of high-scoring games for Phoenix as he was bothered by a knee pain.