Layout by: Clarisse Garcia
Posted by: Michelle Piquero
Date Published: February 13, 2025
Time Published: 2:26 PM
The Magnolia Hotshots secured the final PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinal spot with a commanding 112-81 win over NLEX Road Warriors on Sunday, February 2, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
As a result, they will now face top-seeded NorthPort Batang Pier with a twice-to-beat disadvantage.
From the start, Ricardo Ratliffe set the tone for Magnolia, delivering an impressive 31 points, 14 rebounds, two blocks, and two assists. Meanwhile, the Hotshots’ defense stepped up in the second half.
After a 44-44 halftime tie, a pivotal 11-0 third-quarter run—capped by a Rome Dela Rosa three-pointer gave them control of the game.
However, NLEX refused to go down without a fight. Kevin Alas trimmed the deficit to just five, 67-62, with over two minutes left in the third quarter.
Even so, Magnolia responded quickly, as Mark Barroca, Ratliffe, and Zav Lucero fueled a scoring surge to rebuild a 10-point cushion, 74-64, heading into the final frame.
From there, the Hotshots took full command. Jerrick Balanza’s back-to-back baskets stretched the lead to 112-81, putting the game out of reach.
Aside from Ratliffe’s dominant performance, Zav Lucero contributed 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Ian Sangalang and Rome Dela Rosa also stepped up, scoring 13 points each. Their combined efforts ensured Magnolia’s decisive victory.
On the other hand, despite Robert Bolick’s 20-point, 6-assist effort, NLEX struggled to maintain the momentum they had built from their three-game winning streak to close the eliminations.
With only three days to prepare for NorthPort, Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero remains optimistic about their chances.
“We are the underdogs, it’s another do-or-die situation, but I like our chances,” said Victolero.
"We’re healthy, we’re playing well, and we’ll give them a good fight," he added.
The Hotshots will look to defy the odds and extend their season by pulling off an upset against the league-leading Batang Pier.
REFERENCES:
Anzures, R. (2025, February 2). PBA: Magnolia comes alive in 2nd half vs. NLEX, sets up q’finals bout with NorthPort | ABS-CBN Sports. ABS-CBN. https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/2/2/pba-magnolia-ousts-nlex-sets-up-qfinals-bout-vs-northport-2153
PBA: NLEX hopes to end woes, takes on Magnolia. (n.d.). One-network. https://www.onesports.ph/pba/article/27457/pba-nlex-hopes-to-end-woes-takes-on-magnolia
Terrado, R. (2025, February 2). Magnolia, NLEX fight over right to face top-seed NorthPort. Spin.ph. https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/magnolia-nlex-fight-over-right-to-face-top-seed-northport-a795-20250202?ref=home_feed_1
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