By Adrian Stewart Co

The Magnolia Hotshots clinched the last 2019 Honda PBA Philippine Cup semifinal spot after defeating Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 85-72, in Game 3 of their quarterfinal series last Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Holding to a slim 42-37 lead at the half, the Hotshots went on a tear in the third period behind a barrage of points from Paul Lee for its largest lead of 72-50 early in the fourth on a basket by Andy Mark Barroca. That quarter, Barangay Ginebra went on a run to narrow the gap to 78-69 behind consecutive points from Bacolodnon Jeffrei Chan but a triple by Lee and inside hits from Ian Sangalang sealed the win for the Hotshots.

Lee finished the game with 25 points, including five triples; while Barroca and Aldrech Ramos tallied 13 and 11 markers, respectively.

Meanwhile, Chan led Barangay Ginebra with 17 points; followed by Japeth Aguilar and Negrense Joe Devance, who added 16 and 12 markers, respectively./ASC, WDJ