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Matthew Wright hit a 3-pointer with 9 seconds left in the game, clinching Phoenix’s 89-88 win over Magnolia on Saturday at the AUF Sports Arena in Angeles City, Pampanga to reach the semifinals of the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup.
Wright’s triple lead served as an appropriate ending to his 32-point performance in a game in which both teams traded leads or tied in a highly contested fourth quarter.
After Ian Sangalang’s shot put Magnolia ahead 88-86 with 2 minutes to go, it was some time before both teams found the basket.
A Calvin Abueva steal of a Mark Barroca pass set Wright’s basket just as Phoenix’s shot clock was about to run out.
Paul Lee tried to score the winning goal, but failed.
Phoenix, the No. 2 seed, will meet TNT in a best-of-5 semifinal beginning with a fight at 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18.
“It’s so magical for us,” said Phoenix coach Topex Robinson, whose sentinels enjoyed a two-time lead.
“We are very blessed to be here, to work with one of the best teams, a well-trained team.”
Jason Perkins added 17 points for the Fuel Masters, including the basket that tied game 86 overall.
Magnolia, who entered the game on a 6-game winning streak that landed him No. 7, secured an 88-86 band after Sangalang’s basket.
Wright then got an open look but missed his initial attempt, which RJ Jazul bounced off. Jazul then gave the ball to Wright, who nailed the triple to one leg.
“The credit will [Magnolia] Chito coach [Victolero] and the coaching staff for giving us a super good experience that we are going to bring throughout the semifinals, “said Robinson.
Lee finished with 16 points and 6 assists to lead the Hotshots.
PBA, PBA bubble, PBA Philippine Cup 2020, All-Filipino Conference, Magnolia, Phoenix
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