MAGNOLIA is back on the run, looking on its way to claiming top seeding in the PBA Commissioner's Cup playoffs.
The Converge FiberXers, meanwhile, failed to check their skid and bombed out of the playoff race at 1-8.
From their first and lone defeat suffered at the hands of Rain or Shine, the Hotshots are now on a two-game roll, nailing a second win in a row with an 88-80 drubbing of the Converge FiberXers Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With the win, coach Chito Victolero and his crew moved up to 9-1, gaining more separation versus the second-running Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters (7-1) in the race for pole position in the post-elims play.
The Hotshots, however, faced tough resistance versus the back-to-the-wall FiberXers, banking on a strong fourth-quarter tear to finish their ride in 2023 on a triumphant note.
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They solidified their spot in the Top 4, assured of twice-to-beat bonus in the quarters regardless of the result of their last two games in the single-round-robin elims in January.
And they sustained their hot run going to the playoffs with help from returning ace forward Calvin Abueva.
But it was a team effort as the Hotshots broke loose from a tight first three quarters, seizing control at 77-65 on a 17-3 bomb to start the final canto.
And there's no stopping the Hotshots from there.
Efficient and dependable import Tyler Bey came through with 27 points and 13 rebounds as Jio Jalalon had his own double-double with 16 markers and 10 boards plus five assists.
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In his return from injury, Abueva contributed seven points and six rebounds in 12:54 of action.
James Laput was another Hotshot to finish in double figures with 10 on top of seven boards.(SB)
The scores:
Magnolia 88 - Bey 27, Jalalon 16, Laput 10, Eriobu 7, Lee 6, Sangalang 6, Abueva 6, Barroca 4, Dionisio 3, Dela Rosa 3, Tratter 0, Mendoza 0.
Converge 80 - Wilson 19, Stockton 16, Melecio 13, Arana 12, Santos 11, Wong 2, Caralipio 2, Ambohot 0, Fleming 0.
Quarters: 18-15, 34-37, 60-62, 88-80
