Ginebra beats Magnolia 85-81 to improve playoff hopes

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel secured a crucial 85-81 victory over Magnolia Hotshots on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, improving their record to 6-3 and solidifying their position in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup playoff race.

Despite overcoming a 10-point deficit in the final quarter, Ginebra's road ahead remains challenging as they face tough opponents like TNT next Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Key contributions came from Stephen Holt with 14 points and Jamie Malonzo with 11 points, including a crucial layup that helped turn the tide late in the game.

Japeth Aguilar received Player of the Game honors for his double-double performance of 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Troy Rosario added 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists.

Magnolia's Ian Sangalang and Zavier Lucero each scored 16 points but missed a potential game-tying shot in the final seconds as Ginebra secured their win.