PAUL Lee, the PBA’s “Lethal Weapon”, delivered the killer blows as Magnolia outlasted sister team San Miguel Beer, 85-80, to formalize its entry to.the playoffs in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum

Lee fired eight of his 14 points in the final two minutes, including back-to-back three-pointers, to power the Hotshots to a hard-earned victory over the Beermen and a league-best 8-1 win-loss record.

Lee’s eight-point scoring run enabled the Hotshots to protect their precarious 77-76 lead entering the homestretch.

“I just let it fly, and luckily pumasok, and it gave us the cushion,” said Lee, who was bothered by foul trouble for most of the game.

“We shared the ball, kaya nakakuha ng open shots and baskets from drop passes,” added Lee, who also had three rebounds and two assists against two turnovers and four quick fouls.

With only three games left, the Hotshots are gunning for a top two finish and a twice-to-beat advantage against a lower-ranked opponent in the quarters .

Nick Rakocevic led Magnolia with a double-double of 26 points and 28 rebounds, followed by Ian Sangalang with 12 points and 14 rebounds and Mark Barroca with 12.

Import Devon Scott finished with 16 points and 17 rebounds for San Miguel, which dropped to 3-5.

The Beermen, who are still playing minus June Mar Fajardo and Terrence Romeo, are still out of the magic eight.

Marcio Lassiter and CJ Perez added 16 points each.

The scores:

Magnolia (85) – Rakocevic 26, Lee 14, Sangalang 12, Barroca 12, Jalalon 6, Abueva 5, Wong 4, Dela Rosa 2, Corpuz 2, Ahanmisi 2, Laput 0, Dionisio 0.
San Miguel (80)- Scott 19, Lassiter 16, Perez 16, Manuel 16, Tautuaa 6, Ross 3, Herndon 2, Brondial 2, Enciso 0, Cruz 0.
Quarterscores: 23-25, 37-37, 65-60, 85-80.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Robert Andaya