by Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Magnolia Hotshots now holds the lead in the Philippine Basketball Association’s Philippine Cup semifinals against Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters after an 82-74 Game 5 win at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Wednesday night.
The Hotshots pulled away from the Elasto Painters after going on an 11-4 run in the final 3:47 of the game to turn a precarious 71-70 lead into an eight-point victory.
Mark Barroca and Jio Jalalon each scored 14 points for Magnolia, which can finish ROS off on Friday night in Game 6.
Gabe Norwood dropped 15 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks for the E-Painters, who need to win on Friday night to send the best-of-seven series to a rubber match on Sunday night.
