Magnolia foils Bol, TNT to advance to PBA Comm’s Cup playoffs

Sports

LANKY import Bol Bol delivered a 50-point performance but the Magnolia Hotshots had the last laugh as they blasted the TNT Tropang 5G, 106-94, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday night, May 5, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Magnolia pocketed a second straight win, raising its record to 6-5 (win-loss) to secure a spot in the quarterfinal round.

The Hotshots built a huge 35-15 lead after the opening quarter and despite Bol having a stellar offensive showing, the Tropa couldn’t make a serious run.

The 7-foot-3 former NBA player Bol finished with 53 points and 13 rebounds but still couldn’t save TNT from crashing to 6-5.

The loss was a big blow to TNT’s Top 4 aspirations after it fell to a two-way tie at sixth and seventh spots with Magnolia.

TNT was already assured of a playoff spot coming into the match and a win could have brightened its chances of finishing in the Top 4 after the eliminations.

The Top 4 teams in the quarterfinals will enjoy a twice-to-beat bonus over their lower-ranked foes.

Clint Chapman had his own productive outing as he led Magnolia with 42 points and 14 rebounds. Mark Barroca also ended up with a double-double with 15 markers and 12 assists. Xav Lucero also helped Magnolia’s cause by tallying 13 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.(CCM)