Magnolia forward Zavier Lucero during a game against Meralco in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia drew a big game from young gun Zavier Lucero to stay alive in the race for a spot in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs on Friday.
Lucero, however, deflected the credit to his teammates following a 129-92 drubbing of Meralco.
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“It’s a team game. I’m sitting here right now but there’s a lot of guys that played well tonight,” said Lucero.
READ: PBA: Magnolia rips Meralco to stay in playoff contention
“We probably would’ve been alright even if I had zero points tonight because we were all playing with desperation and we played team basketball… We play with each other and for each other and that’s when we’re at our best.”
The former University of the Philippines standout led Meralco’s locals with 22 points on 60 percent shooting from the field that went with three rebounds and three assists, backstopping Ricardo Ratliffe, who finished with game-highs of 31 points and 19 rebounds.
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Three more Hotshots hit double-digits with Ian Sangalang and Mark Barroca adding 18 points each and Calvin Abueva contributing 14.
READ: PBA: With sense of urgency, Magnolia scores key win over Hong Kong
Led by Ratliffe and Lucero, the Hotshots assured themselves of a playoff for the last quarterfinals slot.
“They deserve to be in this situation now. We’ve been in pressure-packed games for the last three games but because of our discipline and execution, we have a good chance,” Magnolia coach Chito Victolero said.
Magnolia will face either Rain or Shine of NLEX for the eighth seed.
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