Magnolia outlasted the hard-fighting Phoenix Super LPG, 102-95, on 9 December at the Philsports Arena — and officially joined Bay Area as early semifinalists in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.

Import Nick Rakocevic, limping after hurting his ankle early in the game, managed to stay on the court to lead the Hotshots to victory and advance to the Final Four.

Rakocevic finished with 18 points, 13 rebounds, four steals and five blocks.

The Hotshots — who are in the semifinal round for the fourth straight conference — will face the winner of the Barangay Ginebra vs NorthPort quarterfinals series in the next round.

in the other playoff encounter, Bay Area showed Rain or Shine the exit door, 126-96.

The scores:

MAGNOLIA 102 – Abueva 19, Rakocevic 18, Barroca 16, Lee 15, Wong 11, Jalalon 8, Sangalang 6, Dionisio 4, Dela Rosa 3, Corpuz 2, Ahanmisi 0

PHOENIX 95 – Tio 18, Serrano 16, Wesson 16, Mocon 12, Perkins 12, Anthony 6, Manganti 5, Pascual 4, Rios 4, Lojera 2, Adamos 0

QUARTERS: 28-26, 50-46, 76-74, 102-95