Sports
Magnolia secures sixth spot for playoff entry after dominating NLEX
“Final: 102 – 74 in favor of the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok! Best Player: Paul Lee with 26 points and 5 rebounds #PBALabanKungLaban” (Photo: PBA/Facebook)
The Magnolia Hotshots are officially off to the playoffs after completing their 2019 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup elimination round run by blasting the NLEX Road Warriors, 102-74, last Wednesday, April 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Paul Lee led the way for the Hotshots, scoring a total of 26 points – 10 of them in the first quarter alone. Aldrech Ramos totalled 15 points, while Mark Barroca hit 14 points. Ian Sangalang chipped 10 points as well. The only double-digit scorer for NLEX, on the other hand, was rookie Bong Galanza at 10 points.
In responding to the reasoning behind their win, Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero shared in a mix of English and Filipino, “We achieved our goal which is to get the sixth spot. Our defense was a big factor. The goal was to limit NLEX to 90 points. If they scored more than 100 points, they would have probably one. Our defensive plan was to limit the scoring of NLEX.”
This is Magnolia’s third straight win and sixth win overall out of 11 matches. At number six, they’ll be facing third-seeded Ginebra for the playoffs’ best-of-three series. They will begin their playoff series next Saturday, April 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Looking ahead, Coach Chito stated, “Now we can focus on the quarterfinals, the playoffs. I’m happy because we were able to secure an equal opportunity—a best-of-three. Although it’s going to be hard because we’ll play a top team in Ginebra. But again, it’s a best-of-three. Our foes won’t be enjoying an advantage.” He concluded, “Now, the players have gotten into a rhythm. We know Ginebra can beat us, but we can also do the same. It’s going to be tough, but I like my chances.”
In the meantime, due to NorthPort’s win over Ginebra on the same day, NLEX will still have to fight for their entry into the quarterfinals with a playoff against Alaska for the eighth spot. Their knockout game is on Friday, April 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
