The Magnolia Hotshots rallied from a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter to escape with a 121-115 overtime victory over the Terrafirma Dyip in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Saturday night.
The win improved the Hotshots’ record to 6-4, keeping their hopes alive for a Top 4 finish. The Dyip, meanwhile, bowed out of contention for a playoffs berth with their sixth straight loss for a 2-8 record.
Magnolia’s comeback was led by import Antonio Hester, who finished with 40 points and 17 rebounds, including 15 points in the fourth quarter. Mark Barroca and Calvin Abueva each contributed 16 points, while Paul Lee and Jio Jalalon added 16 and 13 points, respectively.
Despite the win, Magnolia coach Chito Victolero admitted that they had a bad game and had trouble executing on both ends of the floor. “But with the heart and will of my players, nagawa naming mapa-overtime. Maganda lang we experienced players and naka-execute kami ng maganda,” he said.
Meanwhile, Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel rued his team’s inability to execute down the stretch. “We had a chance to win it in regulation, but we couldn’t execute our plays. We have to learn from this,” he said.
Terrafirma was led by Jordan Williams, who had 45 points and eight rebounds. Juami Tiongson added 19 points, while Eric Camson had 11 points and nine rebounds.
The game was tied at 110-all at the end of regulation, thanks to Hester’s four straight points, including a game-tying jumper with 12 seconds left. In overtime, Magnolia took control with a 9-3 run to secure the win.
“We took it one possession at a time in weathering the storm and in taking a stand together, that was it,” Hester said. “We executed better in the last five minutes.”
The Hotshots will look to continue their winning ways when they face Blackwater on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.