Paul Lee’s game-winning shot gives Magnolia upper hand over Aces

Lee braved a 3-on-1 fastbreak to get the offensive rebound from opponent Romeo Travis’ miss, then shooting at the bassline with 1.3 seconds left in the game. (Photo: PBA/Facebook)

During the final quarter, Lee braved a 3-on-1 fastbreak to get the offensive rebound from opponent Romeo Travis’ miss, then shooting at the bassline with 1.3 seconds left in the game. Alaska import Mike Harris tried to give it another shot for the Aces at the buzzer but did not have enough time to deliver a well-executed shot.

Player of the Game Lee finished the game with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists, while fellow Player of the Game teammate Ian Sangalang also gave double-digits in shooting at 20 points, as well as six rebounds and two assists. As for their opponents, Romeo Travis led the way at 28 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists, while teammates Kevin Racal and Simon Enciso both provided 13 for the Alex Compton-led squad.

Hotshots Head Coach Chito Victolero joked that he “almost had a heart attack” during the thrilling moments of the game, but added, “That was a great game. One of the classics maybe in terms of the PBA finals.” He referred to “being up” at the half with 53-40, but collapsing during the third quarter, where Alaska got a 20-2 run, then “getting back” during the fourth. To that, Victolero “wants to commend [his] players for their mental toughness,” saying, “I have to motivate my players to keep on fighting. I know we are tired physically and mentally, but [this game shows] it’s all about heart.”

This is the best standing of Magnolia since their last league title in 2014. They will try to finish the series during Game 6 on Wednesday, December 19 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.