THE Magnolia Hotshots posted a victory they badly needed, pulling away in the third period for a 110-104 win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the 49th PBA Commissioner's Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Thursday night, January 16.

The two squads were tied at the end of the first half, 50-all, but the Hotshots broke loose in the third quarter behind a 33-26 attack.

Phoenix threatened several times in the final period but Magnolia kept its composure and hung on for only its fourth win in 10 outings.

The Fuel Masters dropped to joint 10th with the NLEX Road Warriors at 3-6 (win-loss).

Ricardo Ratliffe spearheaded the Hothots with 22 points and 19 rebounds. Magnolia’s locals also came to play with Zavier Lucero firing 25 points and Mark Barroca scattering 22 markers.

Pedro Alfaro contributed 14 points, effectively filling the void vacated by the injured Paul Lee.

Phoenix lost despite Donovan Smith’s monster 40-point output. RJ Jazul, Jason Perkins, and Ken Ballungay tallied 13 markers each in the losing effort.

THE SCORES:

MAGNOLIA (110)- Lucero 25, Ratliffe 22, Barroca 22, Alfaro 14, Abueva 6, Lastimosa 6, Dionisio 5, Eriobu 5, Sangalang 4, Dela Rosa 1, Balanza 0, Mendoza 0, Reavis 0.

PHOENIX (104)- Smith 40, Jazul 15, Perkins 15, Ballungay 13, Rivero 6, Tio 5, Manganti 4, Muyang 2, Tuffin 2, Verano 2, Garcia 0, Alejandro 0, Camacho 0, Daves 0, Salado 0, Ular 0.

QUARTERSCORES: 29-34, 50-50, 83-76, 110-104.(CCM)

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