Magnolia grabs hold of 2-1 finals lead over San Miguel

“Final: 86 – 82 in favor of the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok!
Best Player: Rafi Reavis with 16 points, 15 rebounds and 8/14 FGs
#PBAPhilCupFinals #PBALabanKungLaban” (Photo: PBA/Facebook)

The Magnolia Hotshots officially have an upperhand over the San Miguel Beermen (SMB) for the best-of-seven finals series of the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup, after obtaining their second victory over the Leo Austria-led squad last Sunday, May 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ian Sangalang and Marc Barroca used their teamwork to lead their team to a crucial win, Sangalang with a double-double at 17 points and 15 rebounds, while Barroca had a total of 22. Forty-one year-old Rafi Reavis also hit a double-digit in points and rebounds with 16 and 15, Magnolia Coach Chito Victolero stating that the Fil-Am is “[Magnolia’s] veteran and the best match-up for June Mar (Fajardo) and Arwind (Santos),” continuing, “Always, if Rafi gives a good game, we have a chance.”

Rafi himself responded to his teammates’ overall performance, as a center and leader sharing, “It takes character, a lot of effort, and a lot of heart. This is a tough team we’re playing against. I don’t know how many championships they’ve won. It’s just about respecting those guys and going out giving 110% every night.”

When talking about their victory, Coach Chito is still not satisfied, telling the press, “We still have a lot more to show. The important thing for us is to stick to our identity. We have to continue and play within our strengths which is our defense.”

For SMB, it was Arwind Santos who fought hard with 19 points and 12 rebounds, guided by running Most Valuable Player (MVP) big man Fajardo with 17 markers and 14 boards. Terrence Romeo, who faced controversy after Game Two, redeemed himself for his team with 15 points and a 3-of-7 shooting range from beyond the arc.

Game Four of the finals series is on Wednesday, May 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Looking ahead, Coach Chito shares, “We just won two games. This is not yet over.” He added, “It’s all about the mental toughness and maturity of this team. it’s a big win for us. Hopefully, we can sustain that on Wednesday.”