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The Philippine national basketball team triumphs over their rival in a competitive game.

Rome dela Rosa stars as Magnolia edges NorthPort for first win of PBA Philippine Cup


The Magnolia Hotshots barged into the win column in the most exciting of ways as Rome dela Rosa canned a triple from the left wing with 10 seconds to go for an 80-77 win on Wednesday in the PBA Season 47 Philippine Cup at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Tied at 77-all, Magnolia guard Jio Jalalon drove into the teeth of the defense and kicked the ball out to dela Rosa who calmly flung the ball up and into the basket to give the Hotshots an 80-77 lead.

NorthPort had a shot at tying the match, but Arwind Santos missed a three-point try to give Magnolia their first win in three matches.

Calvin Abueva put up a monster statline of 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Paul Lee and Aris Dionisio scored 12 markers apiece, the latter also hauling down nine boards.

“That sense of urgency in terms of executing, in terms of consistency, the effort and the desire, nagawa naman namin,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero after the game.

It was a hard-earned win for Magnolia, which trailed, 75-77, after a triple by NorthPort star Robert Bolick with 54 seconds left. Abueva, though, responded with a bucket while getting fouled by Kevin Ferrer. The man known as “The Beast,” though, missed the bonus free-throw.

The Batang Pier had a golden opportunity to pull ahead after Ferrer was fouled and earned a trip to the charity stripe. However, Ferrer failed to make any of his free-throws to set the stage for dela Rosa’s heroics.

Santos had 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Roi Sumang chipped in 15.

Jamie Malonzo added 15 points and 10 rebounds while Bolick was held down to just 13 markers.

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