Hotshots dispose of Tropang Giga to enter PBA semis

MANILA, Philippines -- The Magnolia Hotshots punched the first semifinal ticket of the PBA Commissioner's Cup after eliminating the TNT Tropang Giga, 109-94, Wednesday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

TNT trailed by 19, 91-72, at the nine-minute mark of the fourth quarter after an and-one play by Tyler Bey.

The Tropang Giga then slowly nipped the lead, cutting it nine, 93-84, with a dunk by Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson with 5:43 remaining.

After a pair of free throws by Bey, RR Pogoy connected on a 3-pointer as TNT inched closer, 95-87, with 5:16 left.

Mark Barroca and Kim Aurin traded baskets, but Bey powered his way to a crucial 3-point play to push Magnolia's lead back to double digits, 100-89.

After a layup by Hollis-Jefferson, Bey punched in a slam dunk that seemingly broke the spirit of TNT with less than three minutes remaining, 102-91.

A pull-up deuce by Barroca stuck the dagger on TNT's hearts, 104-91, with 1:41 remaining.

Hollis-Jefferson tried to will the Tropang Giga back with a 3-pointer, 104-94, with a little over a minute left.

However, Magnolia shut the door on any hopes of a comeback as Paul Lee and Bey put the finishing touches.

Bey led the Hotshots with 41 points, 13 rebounds, five steals, three blocks and two assists.

He shot a perfect 16-for-16 from the free throw line.

Barroca followed suit with 17 points off the bench.

Hollis-Jefferson was a rebound away from a triple-double for TNT, finishing with 27 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds.

Calvin Oftana chipped in 20 markers and six boards.

While the two were able to have high-scoring outings, they had eight and six turnovers, respectively.

Magnolia will be facing the winner of the knockout match between the Phoenix Fuel Masters and the Meralco Bolts on Sunday.