Peter Alfaro and the Magnolia Hotshots throughout a PBA Commissioner’s Cup recreation towards Phoenix Gas Masters. –PBA IMAGES
Magnolia stayed inside distance of San Miguel Beer for the No. 8 spot after holding off a pesky Phoenix squad, 110-104, Thursday within the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Philsports Enviornment in Pasig Metropolis.
Import Ricardo Ratliffe, Zavier Lucero, Mark Barroca and seldom-used rookie Peter Alfaro had been instrumental in giving the Hotshots a uncommon victory amid a tough marketing campaign for the perennial contenders.
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The Hotshots improved to 4-6, transferring to ninth spot behind the Beermen, who’re carrying a 4-4 file and can make the playoffs if the eliminations finish at this level.
However issues will get harder for Magnolia as its bid to sneak a quarters spot will rely on its video games towards visitor group Hong Kong Jap on Jan. 26 at Ynares Heart in Antipolo Metropolis and Meralco on Jan. 31 at Philsports.
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Ratliffe had 22 factors, 19 rebounds and two blocks in a efficiency witnessed by former teammate and Hotshots legend Marc Pingris and ex-South Korea standout and former Portland Path Blazer Ha Seung-Jin.
READ: PBA: Insults imply nothing to Magnolia facet wanting to shed ‘Introvoys’ tag
Pingris dropped by carrying Ratliffe’s 2017 Star Hotshots jersey whereas Ha and his household are at present within the nation for a trip.
Lucero topscored with 25 factors, together with some key three-point pictures that saved the Gas Masters at bay whereas Alfaro was coach Chito Victolero’s “magic bunot” with 14 factors, three rebounds and 4 assists.
Barroca added 22 factors, six rebounds and 4 assists in his 601st consecutive recreation for Magnolia.
Phoenix fell to 3-6 regardless of getting 40 factors from import Donovan Smith, who additionally knocked 4 four-point pictures.
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The Gas Masters at the moment are in desperation mode with the NLEX Highway Warriors on Jan. 19, Blackwater Bossing on Jan. 21 and TNT Tropang Giga on Jan. 24 as their remaining assignments.
