PBL: Magnolia slips past Cobra, 69-67

MANILA, Philippines – Magnolia Purewater needed Patrick Cabahug’s missed three-point attempt as an assurance to escape with a 69-67 decision over Cobra Energy Drink in Thursday’s PBL PG Flex Unity Cup action at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City. Holding on to that slim lead, Neil Rañeses nearly played the goat when he missed his two free throws with 10.2 seconds remaining giving the Energy Warriors a chance to either send the game into overtime or pull off the upset with a three-pointer. Cabahug, however, missed what could have been the game-winning basket when his attempt in front of the Cobra bench rolled out of the rim as the buzzer sounded. Neil Pascual finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Wizards while Rañeses chipped in 12 markers and 11 boards. Marcy Arellano came up with 12 points. Orlando Daroya led the Energy Warriors with 17 points with Val Acuña scoring 11. Magnolia is tied at second with Licealiz owning 2-2 cards while Cobra is at the bottom along with Pharex with 1-3. – GMANews.TV Games Saturday (San Juan gym) 2:00 p.m. – Licealiz vs Oracle 4:00 p.m. – Cobra vs Pharex