Hotshots clinch No. 5 seed, snap Bolts’ three-game streak

Magnolia strengthened its playoff positioning by handing Meralco a 93-76 defeat on Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena, clinching the fifth seed in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

The Hotshots flipped the script with a scorching second-quarter surge, sparked by Paul Lee, who ignited a decisive 16-0 run that turned a close game into a commanding 36-15 lead. Although Meralco fought back with 35 points in the third quarter, Magnolia stayed composed in the fourth to secure the victory and carry strong momentum into the quarterfinals.

Clint Chapman led the Hotshots with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Paul Lee added 13 points. Javi Gomez de Liano contributed 10 markers in a well-balanced team effort.

Coach LA Tenorio highlighted the importance of the win as preparation for the postseason.

“I challenged my team that this kind of game gives us a chance to reach the next level,” Tenorio said. “We have a goal, and I think we are on the right track.”

Magnolia finished the elimination round at 7-5 with three straight wins. Their quarterfinal opponent will depend on the outcome of the TNT vs. Barangay Ginebra game later in the evening. A Ginebra win sets up a rematch with Meralco (twice-to-beat), while a TNT victory would mean a Manila Clasico showdown against the Kings.

For Meralco, Javee Mocon and Marvin Jones each scored 14 points. The Bolts ended the eliminations at 8-4 and still have a chance to finish as high as third depending on other results.