By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

THE Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok went 1-0 up in their best-of-seven PBA Philippine Cup finals series with the defending champions San Miguel Beermen following a gutsy 99-94 victory in Game One on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Banking on a total team effort on both ends of the court, the Hotshots successfully overcame the Beermen, who got a monster game from reigning league most valuable player June Mar Fajardo, to move a step closer to the title of the season-opening Philippine Basketball Association tournament.

The first two quarters had the two teams going back-and-forth with Magnolia bucking early struggles and going on a strong finish led by Paul Lee to claim the opening quarter, 34-30.

In the second it was San Miguel’s turn to make a run after a slow start behind Mr. Fajardo and Alex Cabagnot to go on top, 55-52, at the halftime break.

The third quarter saw the Hotshots making a move to pull away, opening the frame with a 15-4 run in the first five minutes.

San Miguel regained its footing and pulled itself to within one point, 67-66, after two minutes.

But Magnolia would maintain control the rest of the way as Jio Jalalon made his presence felt on offense, building a seven-point lead, 80-73, heading into the final quarter.

The Beermen did not waste much time in trying to gain some headway at the start of the payoff canto.

Their push, however, was met head-on by Magnolia which continued to hold sway, 88-79, with eight minutes to go.

San Miguel then turned to Mr. Fajardo to will it back in the game, with the five-time league MVP obliging with 15 straight points to help the Beermen stay close of the Hotshots, 95-94, with a minute and half left on the game clock.

Ian Sangalang gave the Hotshots further breathing room, 97-94, when he drained a jumper from the top of the key with 1:16 remaining.

The Beermen had chances to level the count after but three-point attempts by Arwind Santos and Marcio Lassiter did not connect.

Mr. Lee made it a five-point lead for the Hotshots, 99-94, with 17 ticks remaining.

It was a hole that San Miguel would not be able to claw itself out from as Magnolia went on to claim the win.

Mr. Lee led six players in double digits in scoring for Magnolia with 18 points, followed by Mr. Sangalang and Mark Barroca with 17 apiece.

Mr. Jalalon had 16 and Rafi Reavis and Justin Melton 12 and 11 points, respectively.

For San Miguel it was Mr. Fajardo who showed the way with 35 points and 21 rebounds.

Mr. Cabagnot had 18 points while Mr. Santos had 13 points and 15 boards.

Game Two of the finals is on Friday also at the Big Dome.

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