THE Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok are headed to the semifinals of the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup after surviving the Blackwater Elite, 103-99, in their quarterfinal clash on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Held a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals, the Hotshots avoided turning to it by hanging tough in the end amid a spirited challenge from the Elite, who were hoping to extend the matchup to a rubber match on Thursday.
Paul Lee had a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds to lead Magnolia to the win.
He also scored key free throws late in the game to keep the Elite at bay.
Import Romeo Travis had 18 points and 20 rebounds while Ian Sangalang and PJ Simon had 18 and 16 points, respectively.
For Blackwater it was import Henry Walker who was the high point man with 18 points, to go along with eight rebounds and five assists.
JP Erram backstopped him with 15 points and 19 rebounds.
The loss ended the Elite’s campaign in the Governors’ Cup that saw it go on a good start before stumbling in the end with telling losses.
Meanwhile, quarterfinal action continues on Wednesday featuring the four other teams.
Number two team Phoenix Fuel Masters (8-3) take on the seventh-seeded Meralco Bolts (5-6) in the 4:30 p.m. match at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City while third- seeds Alaska Aces (8-3) clash with number six San Miguel Beermen (6-5) at 7 p.m.
Phoenix and Alaska have a twice-to-beat advantage over their opponents.
In Gilas Pilipinas news, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the PBA jointly announced the training pool for the fifth window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers happening later this month here in Manila.
Making up the pool are June Mar Fajardo, Greg Slaughter, Christian Standhardinger, Kai Sotto, Ian Sangalang, Japeth Aguilar, Beau Belga, JP Erram, Matthew Wright, Marcio Lassiter, Allein Maliksi, Troy Rosario, Gabe Norwood, Jayson Castro, Alex Cabagnot, Scottie Thompson, Stanley Pringle, Paul Lee, Arwind Santos, LA Tenorio, and Ricci Rivero.
Conspicuously not included were naturalized player Andray Blatche and Terrence Romeo. They, however, will be considered for the next window, officials said.
The team is still coached by Yeng Guiao.
It takes on Kazakhstan on Nov. 30 and Iran on Dec. 3. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

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