Mark Barroca struck the dagger as Magnolia outlasted NorthPort in a down-the-wire encounter, 104-97, to lay its two-game skid to rest in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup, Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The veteran playmaker attacked the defense of Fran Yu for the fallaway jumper to make it a 102-97 count with 24.1 seconds left, nailing a quick response to his younger counterpart after pulling the Batang Pier to within three.
Yu tried to get his side back closer but missed a triple, and curiously opted to pass up an open shot from point-blank to Joshua Munzon, who was in the corner. Munzon missed the trey and the crew could no longer convert.
Paul Lee would go on to seal the deal through a perfect trip to the foul line with 5.2 seconds left as Magnolia gave Calvin Abueva a triumphant welcome after serving a one-game suspension against NLEX last Saturday.
