Magnolia seals No. 2, gives NLEX a chance

MANILA, Philippines — Magnolia collared the coveted twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals with a 106-90 romp over Rain or Shine last night at the PhilSports Arena.

Along the way, the No. 2 Hotshots (10-2) threw a lifeline to a grateful NLEX, which got its prayed-for tie for eighth with ROS on identical 5-7 cards at the end of the elims.

This forced a you-or-me showdown between the Elasto Painters and the Road Warriors – Yeng Guiao’s current and former team, respectively – for the last available Final-8 seat tomorrow. Winner earns a showdown with top-seeded Bay Area (10-2) with the Dragons enjoying a win-once bonus.

The Hotshots, meanwhile, ensured they carry the same edge when they go up against No. 7 Phoenix (6-6) in the next round.

Magnolia left Ginebra (9-3) settling for No. 3 and playing in a best-of-three quarterfinal affair with No. 6 NorthPort (6-6).

The other pairing pits No. 4 Converge (8-4) against No. 5 San Miguel Beer (7-5), which rounded out its elims assignments with a 113-108 victory over ousted Meralco (4-8) in the first game.