After coming from behind to beat Dyip, the Hotshots secured their spot in the Top 4 rumble
Magnolia Overcomes 15-Point Deficit to Secure Playoff Spot in PBA Governors’ Cup Eliminations
On Saturday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig, MAGNOLIA overcame a 15-point deficit to defeat Terrafirma Dyip 121-115 in overtime, keeping them in the hunt for the Top 4 in the PBA Governors’ Cup eliminations.
Even though they were down by 10 points in the final two minutes, the Hotshots didn’t give up and instead forced overtime, where they ultimately prevailed to push their win streak against the Dyip to 15 games.
“We played poorly and failed to execute on either end of the floor, but we were able to force overtime by playing with determination and heart. They’ve been around long enough to know the score, so there’s no need to worry that they’ll be caught off guard. There was an improvement in our performance in the final five minutes “The Magnolia team’s coach, Chito Victolero, made that statement.
This is how we weathered the storm and stood together,” said import Antonio Hester.
The game was tied at 110 with a minute left when Adrian Wong stole the ball from Jordan Williams and set up the game-winning basket by Corey Hester. Extra time was necessary.
When a window of opportunity to steal the game presented itself, the Hotshots took full advantage, improving their record to 6-4 and keeping them in contention for a playoff spot.
Hester and his team are currently tied for fifth place with the Meralco Bolts after winning their sixth game in a row. They have a chance to catch up to at least three teams in the Top 4 if San Miguel Beer (7-2), Barangay Ginebra (6-2), and NLEX (5-2) all win their remaining games (7-3).
On Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo, the Hotshots will play Blackwater in the finals of the one-round tournament, hoping to finish with a 7-4 record.
They went into the game riding high off of two consecutive victories; this one in particular was rescued thanks to the dogged efforts of players like Hester, Mark Barroca, Jio Jalalon, Calvin Abueva, and Wong.
Hester scored 40 points and grabbed 17 rebounds, while his Terrafirma opponent scored 45 points but cooled off in the fourth quarter.
Jalalon scored 13, and Abueva, Barroca, and Paul Lee all scored 16. Abueva scored 10 points and dished out 17 assists for a double-double. (SB)
Final Thoughts
The Magnolia Hotshots’ victory over Terrafirma Dyip was a testament to their resilience and determination to secure a spot in the Top 4 of the PBA Governors’ Cup eliminations. Despite being down by 15 points, they managed to force overtime and ultimately prevail against their opponent.
Import player Antonio Hester was a key contributor to their win, scoring 40 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. The team’s coach, Chito Victolero, praised their effort in the final five minutes of the game, highlighting their ability to weather the storm and stand together.
With a chance to catch up to at least three teams in the Top 4, the Hotshots have a crucial game against Blackwater in the finals of the one-round tournament. If they manage to finish with a 7-4 record, they will be in a strong position to make a playoff spot.
The Hotshots’ victory over the Dyip showcased the importance of never giving up, even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds. As they look ahead to their upcoming games, they will need to continue to show the same level of determination and resilience if they hope to secure a playoff spot and make a deep run in the tournament, including the Philippine Cup Betting.
The Scores:
Magnolia 121 – Hester 40, Lee 16, Abueva 16, Barroca 15, Jalalon 13, Dionisio 8, Wong 6, Dela Rosa 3, Corpuz 3, Escoto 0, Reavis 0, Laput 0, Mendoza 0.
Terrafirma 115- J.Williams 45, Tiongson 19, Camson 11, Cabagnot 10, Ferrer 8, Daquioag 7, Cahilig 5, Gabayni 4, Alolino 2, Calvo 2, Ramos 0
QUARTERS: 28-26, 51-50, 74-85, 110-110, 121-115
