The Magnolia Hotshots came back from a four-point deficit inside the game’s final minute to shock the heavily-favored San Miguel Beermen, 109-108, Sunday evening at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Justin Melton’s triple and Paul Lee’s runner from the right baseline were enough to give the Hotshots the one-point victory, which improved their record to 4-1 in the 2018 Governors’ Cup.
“It’s a very nice win. Credit to the players dun sa kanilang puso, ika nga ng Gilas,” said head coach Chito Victolero.
Lee continues to shine for Magnolia, as he top-scored for the Hotshots with 28 points on 11-of-20 shooting from the field. Import Romeo Travis provided 18 points and 12 rebounds.
Many thought the Hotshots would go down when they fell behind by four, 104-108, no thanks to Marcio Lassiter’s basket off new import Kevin Murphy’s assist with 2:16 left in the game.
However, Melton stepped up big time. Travis found him wide open from the left wing of the three-point area, and Melton made the triple to lift Magnolia to within one with 51 seconds left.
Murphy tried to douse cold water on the Hotshots, but his fade-away was well-defended. Magnolia got the board, and Lee made a leaner on the other end to lift his side to the 109-108 lead.
San Miguel still tried to save themselves from losing their second straight game and from falling to 2-3, but shots by Kelly Nabong, Christian Standhardinger, and Alex Cabagnot all missed.
Ian Sangalang had 16 points and eight rebounds, while Melton chimed in 12 markers in the victory.
The loss wasted the solid performance of Murphy, as he had 37 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Standhardinger was his only back up with 27 points and 16 rebounds.
Magnolia will next play the Columbian Dyip this Wednesday, October 3, still at the Big Dome, while the Beermen will look to end their funk versus the Alaska Aces next Sunday, October 6, at Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Scores:
Magnolia: 109 – Lee 28, Travis 18, Sangalang 16, Melton 12, dela Rosa 10, Barroca 8, Jalalon 5, Ramos 3, Simon 3, Reavis 2, Gamalinda 2, Brondial 2.
San Miguel: 108 – Murphy 37, Standhardinger 27, Lassiter 14, Santos 8, Ross 6, Nabong 6, Cabagnot 4, Heruela 3, Pessumal 3, de Ocampo 0.
Quarterscores: 29-36, 57-61, 84-88, 109-108.
