Magnolia thriller ties Clasico series

MANILA, Philippines —  In classic “Manila Clasico” fashion, Magnolia needed to make a golden play right before the final buzzer to come out on top of rival Barangay Ginebra in a thrilling finish.

Paul Lee assumed his old role of closer and banked in the winner as the Hotshots scored a 96-95 series-leveler in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals yesterday at the PhilSports Arena.

“It’s God’s will, it’s God’s hands,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero after the great escape that enabled them to strike back after the Gin Kings’ 87-84 opening victory and reduce the series to a virtual race-to-two.

“I know Paul’s the ‘Lethal Weapon’ but with the help of our Lord, he made the shot, binigay sa amin ang panalo,” he added.

The Gin Kings threatened to bury the Hotshots to a deep 2-0 hole when Stanley Pringle knocked down a booming trey for a 95-94 cushion with 5.1 seconds left.

Not giving up, the Hotshots called for time and plotted their final offensive.

After getting the inbounds pass from Calvin Abueva, Lee made his way to the basket only for Jamie Malonzo to tap the leather away. But as luck would have it, Ginebra failed to secure possession and the ball went right back to Lee, who fired it home then ran to the other court screaming in triumph as teammates gave chase in celebration.

“Nag-concentrate lang ako sa tira. Hindi ko inisip kung may time pa ba kasi kung iisipin ko yun, mamadaliin ko yung tira. Sa akin, kung aabot sa game clock, aabot sa game clock. Thank God, may enough time pa na tumira nang maayos,” Lee said.

“This was a must-win for us. It would be hard to beat Ginebra three consecutive games if we lost Game 2,” said Victolero.

Later, Bay Area pushed defending champion San Miguel Beer to the brink in their side of the Final Four with a 114-95 romp.

Andrew Nicholson dropped 34 markers and 16 boards while Kobey Lam shot 25 after delivering the marginal basket in the previous 103-102 verdict as the Dragons moved a win away from the finals