The on-and-off Magnolia Timplados Hotshots needed to grind it out before securing a hard-earned 108-100 win against the Terrafirma Dyip to make their way back into the playoffs of the PBA Philippine Cup on Friday night at the Philsports Arena.
Experiencing turbulence for the most part of the tournament, the Hotshots did face another one against the Dyip until Magnolia found the much needed lift from the oldest player in the league.
Rafi Reavis, the 46-year-old center, had a perfect game as he sank all his five attempts from the field.
He wrapped up his solid, all-around game by wounding up with a double-double performance as he also pulled down 13 rebounds.
Ironically, Reavis was a former teammate of Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero, who seemed not surprised at all getting this kind of game from the 6-foot-8 center.
“Rafi is a big factor, not just on the court, but off the court. He’s our leader, our team captain,” added Victolero, who played along with Reavis when they won a championship with San Juan in the MBA more than two decades ago. “He’s the one taking care of the team. We talked to the players. I want him to be a coach with some of the players.”
For Reavis, it’s all about setting a good example and scoring is more than just a bonus.
“If you follow me over the years, I really don’t care about the points,” said Reavis. “But I’m just trying to play with a sense of urgency and be a leader for my team — on and off the court.”
By winning their sixth win in 10 games, the Hotshots were able to secure their main objective of reaching the playoffs.
Magnolia’s win somehow erased the stigma of its painful loss against Meralco where it was held to a franchise worst 51-point output. The Hotshots can wrap up their elimination round campaign with a win against TNT on the final game of the elims on Sunday.
