PBA: Magnolia seals top seed in Group B after escape act vs Rain or Shine

MANILA — Magnolia secured the top seed in Group B after completing an escape act against Rain or Shine, 107-103, in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Hotshots managed to hold on, despite the Elasto Painters tearing down a late 10-point lead (102-92) into a four-point gap, 104-100, after a Santi Santillan layup off an outlet pass from Jhonard Clarito, 3:22 on the fourth quarter clock.

They kept that narrow cushion until the buzzer, although ROS’ Vince Cuajao made a last-ditch effort with six seconds remaining, attempting from the second arc while drawing contact from Chris Koon, but no whistle was called as the Hotshots went away with the four-point triumph.

Javi Gomez de Liaño’s hot hands powered the Hotshots, converting six triples in 10 attempts en route to a 19-point total that went with five assists and one block.

Peter Alfaro contributed 17 points on a perfect 6-of-6 clip, while KJ Buffen and Jerom Lastimosa chipped in 16 markers each.

On the other hand, Adrian Nocum’s game-high 25 points that went with six rebounds went down the drain as the Elasto Painters fell to a 5-4 card, although they are still through to the next round.

MAGNOLIA 107 – Gomez de Liano 19, Alfaro 17, Buffen 16, Lastimosa 16, Andrada 11, Sangalang 7, Barroca 5, Koon 5, Taha 4, Dela Rosa 3, Verano 2, Jopia 2, Lapaut 0, Gomez 0

RAIN OR SHINE 103 – Nocum 25, Fuller 18, Lemetti 11, Cuajao 9, Clarito 8, Caracut 8, Malonzo 8, Villegas 7, Santillan 4, David 3, Belga 2, Asistio 0

QUARTERS: 32-26, 53-61, 86-81, 107-103