Hotshots end slump, overtake Road Warriors in OT thriller

MANILA, Philippines -- The Magnolia Hotshots finally arrested a four-game losing streak in the PBA Commissioner's Cup after getting past the NLEX Road Warriors, 99-95, in an overtime classic Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Magnolia led by five in overtime, lost it, but recovered just in time to squeak past NLEX.

Ricardo Ratliffe powered the Hotshots with 38 points, 19 rebounds and an assist. Zav Lucero added 14 markers, including clutch shots in overtime.

After regulation ended tied at 87-all, Magnolia scored five straight points capped by a layup by Lucero to grab a 92-87 lead with 3:04 remaining.

Michael Watkins then connected on a crucial 3-pointer to slice the lead to two, 90-92, but Lucero connected on another layup as Magnolia grabbed a 94-90 advantage.

On the other end, though, Robert Bolick sank a 4-point shot, and-one, to give NLEX the 95-94 lead with 55.5 seconds to go.

But Mark Barroca floated one in off the glass to push Magnolia on top anew, 96-95.

In the next possession, Anthony Semerad missed a corner trey, and NLEX was forced to foul to stop the clock.

And with 15.8 seconds left, Jerom Lastimosa split from the line to make it 97-95. Bolick, then, drove to the basket but threw the ball away and they were forced to send Ratliffe to the line for two.

The hulking import sank both free throws to make it 99-95 with 6.6 seconds left.

Bolick tried to hoist one up from half court but missed. Robbie Herndon had another chance to tie it, but his shot was short as time expired.

Lastimosa had 13 points in almost 40 minutes of play for Magnolia while Mark Barroca added 12.

Bolick led NLEX with 28 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Herndon and Watkins finished with 18 and 17 points, respectively, while Kevin Alas produced 11.

The two teams traded baskets for the most part of the game, with no squad gaining complete control.

With 2:10 remaining in regulation, Xyrus Torres gave the Road Warriors the 85-83 lead, but back-to-back layups by Lucero pushed Magnolia ahead, 87-85, with 27 seconds left.

A pair of Alas free throws with 25.3 remaining tied the game and eventually sent the game to overtime.

Magnolia, now at 2-4, will face Barangay Ginebra on Christmas Day, while the 3-4 NLEX will see action on January 10 against Meralco Bolts.