Magnolia import Ricardo Ratcliffe. PBA ImagesMANILA, Philippines – Magnolia has regained its winning ways in the 2024-25 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
For this to happen, the Hotshots had to escape NLEX in overtime, 99-95, on Friday at the PhilSports Arena.
They finally saw daylight after having lost four straight matches before this Pasig bout. Although, the squad also had to overcome veteran guard Paul Lee's injury after an accident during the warm ups.
"It's a character game for us," said coach Chito Victolero during the postgame interview.
"We're down in this stage of the tournament, but we're not out. And I told them that it is still in our control," Victolero said further.
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Reinforcement Ricardo Ratcliffe top-scored for the Hotshots, dropping a game-high of 38 points on 15-of-24 clip including 19 rebounds.
Lucero followed through with a 14-piece, while rookie Jerom Lastimosa added 12 for the Magnolia offense.
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Barroca also somehow did it all, collecting 12 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and five steals.
For the losing side, it was Robert Bolick who performed best, garnering a double-double shy of 28 points, nine dimes, and five boards.
The Scores (OT):
MAGNOLIA 99 – Ratliffe 38, Lucero 14, Lastimosa 13, Barroca 12, Balanza 6, Abueva 6, Mendoza 3, Dionisio 3, Dela Rosa 2, Sangalang 2, Laput 0, Ahanmisi 0
NLEX 95 – Bolick 28, Herndon 18, Watkins 17, Alas 11, Torres 8, Mocon 6, Semerad 5, Policarpio 2, Nieto 0, Rodger 0, Marcelo 0, Valdez 0
QUARTERS: 21-22, 38-45, 64-63, 87-87, 99-95