by Jonas Terrado
Game Today (Cuneta Astrodome)
7 p.m. – Phoenix Pulse vs San Miguel
(San Miguel leads series 3-1)
Magnolia moved within the doorstep of advancing to the PBA Philippine Cup Finals after outlasting Rain or Shine, 82-74, for a 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven semifinals at the Cuneta Astrodome.
A basket by Ian Sangalang and a three-point play by Rafi Reavis with 1:36 remaining in the fourth gave the Hotshots the big cushion at 78-71 after the Elasto Painters attempted multiple times to take the lead in the final minutes.
The backcourt tandem of Jio Jalalon and Mark Barroca scored 14 points, making up for Paul Lee’s scoreless outing as Magnolia won its third straight after falling behind 0-2.
A trip to its third finals appearance in the last four conferences will be Magnolia’s goal in Friday’s Game 6 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
CABAGNOT FINED P20K
Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer’s Alex Cabagnot was fined R20,000 for his hit on Phoenix Pulse’s RJ Jazul in Game 4 Tuesday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The Commissioner’s Office penalized Cabagnot, who feigned innocence after Jazul crumpled to the floor in pain, with a Flagrant Foul 2 after the league’s technical committee yesterday reviewed the game tape of the contest that saw the Beermen winning 114-91.
Cabagnot, however, escaped a possible suspension for the incident.
Phoenix coach Louie Alas had expressed disappointment over the non-call as the altercation led to the ejection of Alex Mallari for shoving Cabagnot.
The league later explained that its technical committee cannot review non-calls during the game.
“Since no call was made by the referee on Cabagnot, the technical committee is without any mandate to review such incident during the actual game,” the PBA said in a statement posted on its official website.
Scores:
MAGNOLIA 82 – Barroca 14, Jalalon 14, Reavis 9, Brondial 9, Sangalang 8, Herndon 8, Dela Rosa 7, Ramos 7, Melton 6, Lee 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 74 – Norwood 15, Yap 12, Borboran 11, Daquioag 9, Torres 8, Nambatac 6, Belga 5, Rosales 3, Mocon 3, Ahanmisi 2, Ponferada 0.
Quarters: 16-10, 40-34, 58-57, 82-74.
