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Playing his last game before heading to China, Macklin made the freebies with 3.1 ticks remaining. Good thing Chris Newsome botched an alley oop off an inbound play in the final possession as the Hotshots rolled to a third straight victory after dropping the opener.
Meralco fell to a 3-2 card.
Macklin's sterling game came with 21 points and 15 rebounds. But he had help from the locals especially in the fourth frame, where the Hotshots overhauled a seven-point deficit.
Paul Lee had 20 markers, none bigger than the free throws with 32 seconds left that tied the match at 79-all.
Mark Barroca poured 12 of his 18 markers in the final frame and had two rebounds, three assists, and five steals.
"I'm very happy, I'm very proud of V-Mack 'cause he's really professional. He already has a contract in China but still went all out tonight," said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero. "This is a statement game for us because we know Meralco is an elite team with a very good import."
Arinze Onuaku paced Meralco with 23 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block.
Newsome added 15 markers, five boards, and seven dimes, while Baser Amer and Hared Dillinger had 14 and 12 points, respecively.
THE SCORES
MAGNOLIA 81 - Macklin 21, Lee 20, Barroca 18, Reavis 6, Jalalon 6, Ramos 3, Herndon 3, Dela Rosa 2, Brondial 2, Pascual 0, Sangalang 0, Simon 0, Abundo 0.
MERALCO 79 - Onuaku 23, Newsome 15, Amer 14, Dillinger 12, Canaleta 7, Caram 4, Baracael 2, Hugnatan 2, Hodge 0.
Quarterscores: 19-16; 34-31; 56-50; 81-79.
EXTRA DRIBBLES
It was the last game of Vernon Macklin before heading to China where he will play in the National Basketball League. There's no word yet as to who will replace him.
Arinze Onuaku was 5-of-21 from the free throw line. He also missed Meralco's last four free throws that proved to be crucial.
NEXT GAMES
Magnolia - June 2 vs Rain or Shine at Smart Araneta Coliseum
Meralco - June 1 vs Ginebra at Mall of Asia Arena
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