Photo credit: PBA Media Bureau
The Magnolia Timplados Hotshots (9-1) used a strong fourth quarter to defeat the Converge FiberXers (1-8), 88-80 and secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals of the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Saturday, December 23, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Magnolia started the final frame on a 17-3 run, establishing their biggest lead of 14 in under 7 minutes with a 79-65 advantage. Tyler Bey and Jio Jalalon both finished with a double-double. Bey had a game-high 27 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, and a block, while Jalalon added 15 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals.
James Laput scored 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting and grabbed 7 rebounds. Joseph Eriobu had 6 points and 2 rebounds, while Calvin Abueva, who is fresh from signing a new 3-year contract with Magnolia and recently recovered from a calf injury, had a solid season debut with 6 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and a block in 13 minutes of play.
The Scores:
MAGNOLIA 88 - Bey 27, Jalalon 16, Laput 10, Eriobu 7, Abueva 6, Lee 6, Sangalang 6, Barroca 4, Dela Rosa 3, Dionisio 3, Tratter 0, Mendoza 0.
CONVERGE 80 – Wilson 19, Stockton 16, Melecio 13, Arana 12, Santos 11, Balanza 5, Wong 2, Caralipio 2, Ambohot 0, Vigan-Fleming 0.
Quarters: 18-15, 34-37, 60-62, 88-80. [GAME STATS] | [GAME HIGHLIGHTS] | [JORDAN]
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