
Magnolia, which lost to eventual champion Alaska in the Final Four of last season’s Fiesta Conference, can arrange a showdown against Air21 in the best-of-seven semifinals with another win in Game 2 on Wednesday in Antipolo City.
“In a short series it’s good. But it does not mean anything because we need one more win. We feel good tonight but we have to go back to work tomorrow (in practice),” Magnolia coach Siot Tanquingcen said.
Protecting a 76-72 lead after three quarters, Magnolia used a 17-6 run capped by a three-pointer by Tugade for a 93-78 advantage with 6:05 to play. Mike Cortez’ three put the Beverage Masters ahead for good, 99-82, 4:37 left.
Tugade started the game at the wing spot with Danny Seigle sitting out the game because of a mild strain on his quadriceps. He shot 6-of-11 from the field, including 2-of-5 from the three-point area, and made 6-of-10 free throws.
Import Amal McCaskill also had a double-double performance of 20 points and 11 boards.
The 7-foot McCaskill also helped in limiting Coke’s import Jason Dixon, who was held to a personal conference-low six points with seven boards. The 6-foot-10 Dixon averaged 22.6 points and 11.7 rebounds in the elimination.
“We tried our best to contain him (Dixon). It’s hard to stop him. But somehow, we played good defense on him and at the same time we caught him on a bad night,” Tanquingcen said.
The Tigers mew second reinforcement Brandon Dean, their fourth after Calvin Cage, Gee Gervin and Donald Copeland, also struggled with eight points on 3-of-11 shooting.
But Tanquingcen expects the one-time Arkansas stalwart to play better in Game 2.
“May advantage and disadvantage bringing in a new import. Nangangapa pa sa system. Pero at the same time kasi coming in to this game, hindi rin kilala. I think may ibibigay pa because of his quickness and toughness,” he said.
Cortez came off the bench to contribute 18 points for Magnolia, while Dondon Hontiveros and Danny Ildefonso added 13 points apiece.
Asi Taulava led Coke with 20 points and 12 boards, while Nic Belasco added 17. (WG)
The scores:
Magnolia 108 – McCaskill 20, Tugade 20, Cortez 18, Hontiveros 13, Ildefonso 13, Pingris 8, Bono 7, Pena 6, Racela 3, Villanueva 0, Gonzales 0.
Coca-Cola 96 – Taulava 20, Belasco 17, Buenafe 15, Cabagnot 12, Macapagal 9, Catli 9, Dean 8, Dixon 6, Dimaunahan 0, Misolas 0.
Quarterscores: 30-18; 51-41; 76-72; 108-96.