What a way to exit
The outgoing Vernon Macklin made sure to leave a lasting imprint on Magnolia, nailing the game-winning free throws to help the Hotshots turn back the Meralco Bolts, 81-79, Friday evening at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Macklin — who is set to fly to China after getting a lucrative deal in the NBL — coolly sank his charities with 3.1 seconds left to play to complete the Hotshots’ fightback from a seven-point deficit with 1:48 left to play.
Macklin finished with 21 points on 11-of-14 free throw shooting alongside 15 rebounds, to lead Magnolia to their third straight win in the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup and to a 3-1 record.
“I want to thank V-Mack,” said a grateful Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero. “Binigay niya pa rin lahat. I’m very happy, I’m very proud of V-Mack ‘cause he’s really a professional. May contract na siya sa China pero go-hard pa rin siya.”
The Hotshots were expected to go home with the big L, when their 72-71 lead suddenly became a 72-79 deficit after the Orangemen made eight straight points — ended by Arinze Onuaku’s free throws — with 1:48 to go in the bout.
However, Magnolia fought back, scoring seven straight points to tie things up at 79 after Paul Lee’s own charities with 31 seconds on the clock.
The Bolts had a chance to seal the deal, but Lady Luck was not on their side. Chris Newsome took matters into his own hands as he shook off the towering Rafi Reavis’ defense, but his mid-range bullet did not hit its target.
Lee then raced down the court after the miss. He had opportunities to take the shot, but he passed the leather to a cutting Macklin. The latter was then fouled, and he calmly sunk his free throws to give the Hotshots the edge.
Newsome had the chance to redeem himself from that missed jumper earlier with three ticks left, as he was the focal point of an alley-oop game-winner drawn up. But he failed, as his shot only kissed the rim.
“This is a statement game for us,” said Victolero.
Lee made 20 points — spiked by four triples — and six assists for Magnolia. Mark Barroca produced 18 points on 15 shots, with 12 in the fourth quarter alone.
Onuaku still had 23 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists for Meralco, even if he shot 5-of-21 from the stripe. Newsome finished with 15 points, seven assists, and five caroms, while Baser Amer supplied 14 points and five dimes.
Magnolia will next battle the league-leading Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on June 2, Saturday, 6:45 PM, also at the Big Dome, while Meralco will play rivals Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on June 1, Friday, 7:00 PM, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
Magnolia 81 – Macklin 21, Lee 20, Barroca 18, Reavis 6, Jalalon 6, Ramos 3, Herndon 3, Dela Rosa 2, Brondial 2, Pascual 0, Sangalang 0, Simon 0, Abundo 0.
Meralco 79 – Onuaku 23, Newsome 15, Amer 14, Dillinger 12, Canaleta 7, Caram 4, Baracael 2, Hugnatan 2, Hodge 0.
Quarterscores: 19-16, 34-31, 56-50, 81-79.
