Hotshots hold on vs Bolts to force Game 2

MANILA, Philippines -- The Magnolia Hotshots lost a 19-point lead but made key plays when it mattered most, forcing a rubber match in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinal series with the Meralco Bolts with a 95-89 win Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. 

Magnolia fended off a furious rally by the Bolts that saw their lead evaporate late, but big plays by Clint Chapman and Jerom Lastimosa saved the day for the twice-to-win disadvantaged Hotshots. 

Chapman carried the offense for Magnolia with 21 points and 12 rebounds, to go with three assists and a steal. Lastimosa added 17 markers, three boards, two dimes and two steals in the victory. 

Magnolia led by 19, 66-47, in the third quarter after back-to-back buckets by Ian Sangalang. 

A triple by Javi Gomez-de Liano made it a 17-point edge, 76-59, in the fourth, before Meralco unleashed a 16-2 run capped by a pair of free throws by Marvin Jones. 

Chris Newsome continued to steer the Bolts into the driver’s seat, as his assist to Javee Mocon gave Meralco the lead, 82-80, with 4:08 remaining. 

Chapman then unleashed six points in Magnolia’s 7-2 blitz that pushed them ahead, 87-84. 

Zav Lucero and Lastimosa hit timely shots down the stretch to keep the Hotshots’ lead, 91-86, before Newsome sank a clutch layup to make it a one possession ballgame, 88-91. 

Meralco fouled Lastimosa on the other end to stop the clock. The young Magnolia guard missed both free throws, but he was able to haul down the rebound. 

The Bolts were forced to foul him anew, but this time, Lastimosa sank both for the dagger, 93-88, with 17.2 ticks left. 

And while CJ Cansino made and missed his freebies on the other end to try and extend the possession, free throws by Paul Lee iced the game. 

Rome dela Rosa and Ian Sangalang had 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the winning team. Mark Barroca, Lucero, Lee and Javi Gomez-de Liano had nine each. 

Newsome sparked the Bolts with 23 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jones produced 16 points and six rebounds, to go with two blocks. 

The sudden-death quarterfinal clash will be on Saturday, 5:15 p.m., at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.