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PBA: Magnolia dominates NLEX to secure last quarterfinals slot
Magnolia peaked at the right time to secure the last quarterfinals slot in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
The Hotshots overpowered the NLEX Road Warriors, 112-81, behind Ricardo Ratliffe’s 32-point, 14-rebound performance, to get the No. 8 slot on Sunday night, February 2, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Photo Courtesy: PBA
“It means a lot,” said Ratliffe on reaching the playoffs. “We had some struggles at the beginning of the year, once I got injured.”
“For them to have faith in me, especially coach, a lot of rumors going around that I would go home. But coach [Chito] assured me that I was here for them the whole season. He trusts me and I trust him,” he added.
Ratliffe was thankful that the Magnolia management and coaching staff stuck with him despite almost facing elimination in their past four games but they managed to survive. The hulking import paid the trust given to him by bringing the franchise to their 19th straight playoffs appearance.
“It means a lot,” said Ratliffe on reaching the playoffs. “We had some struggles at the beginning of the year, once I got injured.”
“For them to have faith in me, especially coach, a lot of rumors going around that I would go home. But coach [Chito] assured me that I was here for them the whole season. He trusts me and I trust him,” he added.
Aside from their reinforcement, the Hotshots also relied on their local unit led by the sophomore, Zavier Lucero who scored 14 points, grabbed six rebounds, dished off three assists, and blocked a shot once.
Rome Dela Rosa was also instrumental in the win as he chipped in 13 markers, powered by three triples.
Mainstays Ian Sangalang added 13 points, while Mark Bararo supplemented 11 markers, and six dimes leading a total of 30 as s team.
Meanwhile, Robert Bolick carried the load on his shoulders as he led the Road Warriors with 27 points and six assists, but their import Mike Watkins was only limited to 10 markers.
With the win, the Hotshots will now face the league-leading NorthPort on Thursday, February 6, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Magnolia needs to win twice against the Batang Pier for them to advance to the next round.
The Scores:
MAGNOLIA 112 - 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 81 - 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.
