Reavis Turns Back the Clock in Magnolia’s Pivotal Victory
In a game that had the feel of an early playoff battle, 47-year-old Rafi Reavis reminded fans and foes alike why experience still matters. The PBA’s oldest active player came up with a vintage effort to help the Magnolia Hotshots secure a crucial 88-83 victory over TNT Tropang Giga on Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, effectively clinching a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals of the PBA Philippine Cup’s 49th Season.
Game-Changing Run Powered by Veteran Grit
Though his stat line may not jump off the page—four points, six rebounds, one steal, and one block—Reavis’ contribution went far beyond the box score. His presence was most felt during a momentum-shifting 16-0 run that spanned the latter part of the third quarter and the opening minutes of the fourth. That sequence not only swung the momentum back to Magnolia but also snapped their two-game losing skid and stabilized a team that had lost three of its previous four games after a strong start.
Reavis anchored the Hotshots during a crucial stretch, starting the fourth quarter with two free throws and scoring a key putback to extend their lead to 81-66. In one remarkable moment late in the game, he grabbed three offensive rebounds in a single sequence, draining precious seconds off the clock and stalling TNT’s comeback attempt.
Magnolia Locks in Twice-to-Beat Perk
With the win, Magnolia wrapped up the elimination round with an 8-3 win-loss record, securing one of the coveted twice-to-beat slots in the Final 8. The Hotshots enter the playoffs with renewed confidence, buoyed by the performance of their veteran big man and the emergence of younger contributors.
Coach Chito Victolero praised his team’s playoff-like mentality, stating:
“’Yung mentality namin, the preparation, I want them to feel the playoff atmosphere. I trust my players when their backs are against the wall… Credit to them all, talagang pinaghandaan nila.”
Lucero and Navarro Step Up for Magnolia
While Reavis’ hustle stole the spotlight, Zavier Lucero delivered a complete performance with 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block, showcasing his two-way capabilities. Meanwhile, William Navarro had his breakout game as a Hotshot, contributing 13 points and four rebounds following his recent trade from NorthPort.
TNT’s Title Aspirations in Jeopardy
The loss dropped TNT to a 6-5 record, officially eliminating them from twice-to-beat contention. After previously riding a six-game win streak, the Tropang Giga have now lost two in a row and find themselves needing a do-or-die win in the quarterfinals to keep their grand slam hopes alive.
RR Pogoy led TNT with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Calvin Oftana added 15 points and eight boards. However, the absence of Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who was serving a suspension for a Flagrant Foul Penalty 2 from their last outing against Ginebra, was deeply felt in both interior defense and rebounding.
Outlook: Magnolia Riding Momentum, TNT Under Pressure
The Hotshots enter the playoffs with a twice-to-beat cushion, new energy, and a blend of youth and experience that’s peaking at the right time. TNT, on the other hand, is walking a tightrope. With no more room for error, every possession and player will need to be locked in if they hope to keep their championship dreams alive.
As the PBA Philippine Cup’s playoff picture becomes clearer, one thing is certain: the postseason atmosphere is already here, and veterans like Reavis are still capable of shifting the tide when it matters most.