The Magnolia Hotshots defeated the Meralco Bolts 95-89 on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals, forcing a sudden death game.
Magnolia built a 19-point lead in the third quarter, but Meralco mounted a comeback to tie the game late. The Hotshots restored order down the stretch to secure the win.
Key players for Magnolia included import Johnathan Williams III and local stars such as Paul Lee and Ian Sangalang. Meralco was led by import Allen Durham and guard Chris Newsome.
The series now moves to a sudden death game on Friday, with the winner advancing to the semifinals.