By JONAS TERRADO
Defending champion Magnolia extended the woes of TNT KaTropa after producing a 100-93 victory Saturday in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym in Davao City.
Import Romeo Travis had 21 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and three steals, Chris Banchero posted 13 points, four rebounds, and five assists, and Paul Lee also scored 13 as the Hotshots finished the eliminations in sixth place with a 6-5 record.
The Hotshots were already assured of the position even before the start of the Petron Saturday Special affair.
Magnolia was in control from start to finish, leading by 22 in the first half and a high of 23 twice in the fourth while thwarting multiple comeback attempts by TNT.
TNT suffered its third straight defeat dropping into a tie for third with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel at 7-3. Ginebra holds the tiebreaker after beating TNT, 96-93, eight days ago.
The result gave San Miguel Beer a lifeline in the race for the fourth and final twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
San Miguel and TNT collide on Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City for the right to secure the quarterfinal bonus.
It could also be a start of a virtual best-of-three duel between the fourth and fifth seeds should Ginebra beat NorthPort in their match Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ginebra will clinch the No. 3 spot with a win over NorthPort.
Import KJ McDaniels made 33 points but shot 1-of-10 from three-point land while rookie Ray Parks Jr. added 21 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in his second game with the KaTropa.
Parks remained winless since being traded from Blackwater two weeks ago.
Scores:
MAGNOLIA 100 – Travis 21, Banchero 13, Lee 13, Barroca 9, Jalalon 9, Ramos 8, Reavis 7, Pingris 6, Dela Rosa 6, Sangalang 5, Simon 3, Abundo 0.
TNT KATROPA 93 – McDaniels 33, Parks 21, Pogoy 13, Vosotros 7, Rosario 6, Reyes 4, Digregorio 3, De Leon 2, Williams 2, Washington 2, Taha 0, Semerad 0, Magat 0.
Quarters: 27-22; 56-41; 79-62; 100-93.