The Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok is now enjoying a commanding 2-0 advantage in their semi-finals series against the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 101-97.

Barangay Ginebra played a catch-up game the entire match as they’re unable to execute their triangle offense properly.

Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero seems able to solve the offensive strategy of coach Tim Cone by throwing suffocating defense.

As frustration grew, coach Cone was called a technical foul enough for him to be thrown out in the game. The Gin Kings responded and got its motivation from their ejected head coach.

Paul Lee Shoots Over Greg Slaughter

They rallied back and was able to get back within striking distance, 97-99 after LA Tenorio converted a three-pointer. However, that was the last made shot of Ginebra.

Magnolia forward Rome dela Rosa was stellar in defending Ginebra’s import Justin Brownlee especially in the crucial moments of the game. Ian Sangalang is much more improved compared to their elimination meeting and in Game 1.

Both Dela Rosa and Sangalang were named as the Bida Players of the Game.

Game 3 is scheduled on November 14 (Wednesday), if Magnolia wins then they will head to the Finals.

Magnolia vs Ginebra Box Score

Quarters:

Hotshots (101): Sangalang 17, Barroca 9, dela Rosa 11, Lee 14, Travis 25, Melton 5, Reavis 6, Simon 5, Jalalon 8, Herndon 1

Gin Kings (97): Slaughter 14, Tenorio 15, Mariano 4, Thompson 7, Brownlee 31, Chan 2, Caguioa 2, Mercado 7, Aguilar 15