Magnolia Hotshots huddle throughout a recreation towards Meralco Bolts within the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet
MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia stayed alive within the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs after beating Meralco, 95-89, within the quarterfinals on Wednesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Hotshots have now defeated the Bolts in a row up to now week, and so they look to increase their run in a do-or-die match with eyes on the semifinal berth.
“My gamers responded to my problem in right this moment’s recreation,” Magnolia coach LA Tenorio stated. “We performed a terrific workforce with a terrific coach, they’re a really systematic workforce and I ought to know. I’ve to present credit score to the gamers however we haven’t achieved something with this win.”
“We simply prolonged our lives.”
Magnolia veteran Ian Sangalang and coach LA Tenorio after the win vs. Meralco. #PBA50 | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/6E8eCf0JkY
— INQUIRER Sports activities (@inquirersports) Could 13, 2026
The Hotshots wanted to fend off a large rally from the Bolts, which got here again from 19 factors down and shaved the result in one, 87-86, earlier than Zavier Lucero and Jerom Lastimosa sank two straight baskets to maintain them at bay, 91-86, with 1:02 remaining.
Chris Newsome answered with a layup to trim the hole to a few, 91-88, with beneath 20 seconds left, however Meralco needed to foul Lastimosa to cease the clock.
Lastimosa missed each free throws however grabbed the offensive rebound and earned one other journey to the road, calmly sinking each makes an attempt with 17.5 seconds left to maintain Magnolia in management, 93-88.
Clint Chapman led the Hotshots with a double-double of 21 factors and 12 rebounds. Lastimosa ended up with 17 whereas Rome Dela Rosa and Ian Sangalang had 11 and 10 factors, respectively.
Newsome scored 23 for Meralco, which had its twice-to-beat benefit neutralized, whereas import Marvin Jones had 16 factors and 6 rebounds.
