By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

HAVING turned their fortunes around in the semifinals of the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup, the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok go for the clincher today that would allow them to advance to the finals.

Now on top of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 3-2, in their best-of-seven semifinals in the season-opening Philippine Basketball Association tournament, the Hotshots try to continue riding the momentum and close the affair out.

Magnolia put itself in such a favorable spot after winning Game Five, 82-74, on Wednesday. It was its third straight win in the series after opening the festivities with back-to-back losses.

It was a tightly fought match that saw both teams having their struggles a various points of the match.

But a strong finish by the Hotshots allowed them to establish some cushion which they used to notch the big win.

Mark Barroca and Jio Jalalon led Magnolia in the victory at the Cuneta Astrodome with 14 points apiece with Rafi Reavis also coming up big with nine points and 12 rebounds.

Their performance made up for the subpar showing of stars Ian Sangalang and Paul Lee. The latter, in particular, struggled mightily as he failed to even score in the match, going 0-of-8 from the field.

Gabe Norwood had his best game of the series offensively for the Elasto Painters with 15 points but it was not enough to carry his team over the hump.

James Yap had 12 and Mark Borboran 11 for Rain or Shine.

“We are happy with the win but our mission is not yet complete. We still to have to close out this series to advance to the finals. But it’s not going to be easy and we expect another grind-out game,” said Mr. Barroca, named player of the game, after their victory.

While they have lost their series lead, the Elasto Painters are still not losing hope albeit admit they have their work cut out for them against a more experienced Magnolia team.

“The Hotshots are more experienced in these types of atmosphere than us as a team. We have players who are still new to situations like this,” said Rain or Shine big man Beau Belga post-Game Five.

“But now is not the time to give up. We’re still in the series and if we get this to a Game Seven anything can happen,” he added.

Game Six of the Magnolia-Rain or Shine semifinals is set at 7 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

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