Magnolia def San Miguel, 94-90 [PBA S48 Comm’s Cup | Dec. 10, 2023]

Standing its ground in a battle with San Miguel, Magnolia kept its hot run and equaled the all-time best start in a conference for the franchise with a seventh straight win in PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup.

Tyler Bey came through with another monster game with 31 points and 21 rebounds, and Aris Dionisio helped big time with 4-of-4 free throws in the closing seconds as the Hotshots thwarted the Beermen, 94-90, Sunday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

Jio Jalalon, James Laput and Mark Barroca had their moments but Dionisio stole the thunder in the end in converting four pressure-packed charities in the last 10 seconds.

The 6-foot-5 forward finished with 10 points, counting 5-of-5 free throws in all as he preserved Bey’s huge 30-20 outing in sealing Magnolia’s win No. 7 in the tourney.

The Hotshots thus became the first team to start a conference 7-0 since TNT in the 2019 Governors’ Cup under the Bong Ravena/Mark Dickel coaching set-up.

And this early, coach Chito Victolero and his troops are assured of playoff spot and head way in the race for a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

Having to wait is Paul Lee becoming solo No. 10 in the league’s all-time list for most three-points made.