MANILA, Philippines – At the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Friday night, Magnolia defeated a tenacious Phoenix Super LPG, 102 to 95, to complete the first half of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semi final. Nick Rakocevic was unquestionably the difference in the game.

The Serbian workhorse led the Hotshots’ fourth-quarter comeback for the much-needed separation while continuing to play despite a sprained ankle he sustained in the third quarter, launching an 8 to 0 run for the 94 to 86 advantages with 3:26 remaining.

He ended with 18 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, four steals, and a game-high five blocks as the SMC-owned basketball team overcame Bay Area to advance to the penultimate round, which is scheduled for the following week.

Rakocevic attributed his ability to endure pain and complete the game to adrenaline and the encouragement of his coaches and teammates.

Calvin Abueva contributed significantly to Magnolia’s victory as well, scoring 19 points to lead the team in scoring while Chito Victolero, the team’s head coach, was absent due to health and safety procedures.

“Coach Chito is injured today; he was hurt in the games before this.” Due to Victolero’s ongoing Achilles injury recovery, lead deputy Jason Webb stated that he was not able to do all of his coaching tasks at a full capacity.

Afterward, ito nangyari [this is what happened]. All of the assistant coaches, including myself, are at least prepared in case Coach Chito is unable to attend, he continued.

For Magnolia, Mark Barroca scored 16 points, Paul Lee scored 15, and Adrian Wong scored 11. Magnolia will now wait to see who will face Barangay Ginebra or NorthPort in the best-of-five semifinals.

He ended with 18 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, four steals, and a game-high five blocks as the SMC-owned basketball team passed Bay Area to advance to the penultimate round, which is scheduled for next week.

Rakocevic attributed his ability to endure pain and complete the game to adrenaline and the encouragement of his coaches and teammates.

Calvin Abueva contributed significantly to Magnolia’s victory as well, scoring 19 points to lead the team in scoring while Chito Victolero, the team’s head coach, was absent due to health and safety procedures.

“Coach Chito is injured today; he was hurt in the games before this.” Due to Victolero’s ongoing Achilles injury recovery, lead deputy Jason Webb stated that he was not able to do all of his coaching tasks at a full capacity.

Afterward, ito nangyari. All of the assistant coaches, including myself, are at least prepared in case Coach Chito is unable to attend, he continued.

For Magnolia, Mark Barroca scored 16 points, Paul Lee scored 15, and Adrian Wong scored 11. Magnolia will now wait to see who will face Barangay Ginebra or NorthPort in the best-of-five semifinals.

While Phoenix was short-handed due to the absence of five players, including RJ Jazul and RR Garcia due to health and safety precautions, Tyler Tio led the team with 18 points.

Even yet, the Fuel Masters gave their heavily favored opponents a big scare, even grabbing a 67 to 62 lead in the third quarter when Rakocevic was on the bench suffering from an injury.

Scores at the end of the match

MAGNOLIA with 102 points

Individual scores: Abueva 19, Rakocevic 18, Barroca 16, Lee 15, Wong 11, Jalalon 8, : Sangalang 6, Dionisio 4, Dela Rosa 3, Corpuz 2, Ahanmisi 0

PHOENIX  with 95 points

Individual scores: Tio 18, Serrano 16, Wesson 16, Perkins 12, Mocon 12, Anthony 6, Manganti 5, Rios 4, Pascual 4, Lojera 2, Adamos 0.

Scores per quarter:

28-26, 50-46, 76-74, 102-95.