Magnolia overcame Calvin Abueva’s concerning departure to take down Blackwater, 118-100, to commence their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup campaign on a high note on Thursday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Hotshots lost their veteran forward during the second quarter following an accidental hit by opposing guard Sedrick Barefield and had to be rushed to the hospital, but managed to stay composed to take care of business.
“I just told them, let’s play for Calvin,” said head coach Chito Victolero post-game, adding that the ‘Beast’ is set to be discharged from the Manila Doctors’ Hospital soon as further scans by the doctors came out negative.
His wards did, coming out of the break hot as they jumped to a 61-46 lead before weathering a series of fightback attempts by the Bossing.
A mini run sparked by Paul Lee inside the last five minutes, which would push their lead to 114-91, all but sealed the deal for the perennial contenders.
Ricardo Ratliffe led Magnolia with 30 points, 18 rebounds, and five assists, giving himself a triumphant comeback as well after seven years.
Jerrick Ahanmisi had 21 points. Mark Barroca made 15 points and eight assists while Zav Lucero chipped in 13 markers and nine rebounds.
Rookie Jerom Lastimosa made his presence felt as well in his debut, finishing with nine points, two rebounds, four assists, a steal, and a block.
And together, the Hotshots wasted the efforts of George King for Blackwater, which saw the prolific import finish with 42 points and 12 rebounds.
Barefield was his lone support with 24 points in the defeat as no other player of Coach Jeff Cariaso reached the double-digit mark in scoring.
Both teams are returning to action over the weekend at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, with Blackwater set to battle NLEX on Saturday in a battle of 0-1 teams before Magnolia takes on Converge the following day.
The Scores:
Magnolia 118 – Ratliffe 30, Ahanmisi 21, Barroca 15, Lucero 13, Lastimosa 9, Lee 9, Dela Rosa 8, Dionisio 6, Sangalang 3, Abueva 2, Balanza 2, Laput 0, Eriobu 0, Mendoza 0.
Blackwater 100 – King 42, Barefield 24, David 8, Chua 6, Tungcab 4, Kwekuteye 3, Ponferrada 3, Hill 3, Guinto 2, Corteza 2, Montalbo 2, Suerte 1, Ilagan 0, Escoto 0, Jopia 0.
Quarterscores: 29-27, 50-41, 82-69, 118-100.
