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.
The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots dominated the import-less Meralco Bolts, 129-92, last night, January 31, at the Philsports Arena to force a do-or-die match on Sunday for the 8th and final spot of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.
Ricardo Ratliffe waxed hot in the opening half as he took advantage of the absence of Meralco’s reinforcement, Akil Mitchell, who sat out for the second straight game due to back spasm.
The hulking Magnolia import already produced 24 points on 10-of-11 shooting from the field going into the break. He also grabbed nine boards, two assists, and one steal before halftime.
Ratliffe finished with 31 markers, 19 boards, four assists, and two steals, against two fouls and one turnover.
