Hotshots break through, hand Bolts first loss of Governors' Cup

Magnolia notched its first victory in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors' Cup after defeating Meralco, 112-98, on Friday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

After opening the conference with two straight defeats, the Hotshots closed strong to improve to 1-2 in Group B while handing the Bolts their first loss after back-to-back wins.

Meralco threatened midway through the fourth quarter, cutting what was once a double-digit deficit to 88-86 after Aaron Black converted a floater with 8:53 remaining.

Magnolia quickly regained control.

Zavier Lucero started the response with a layup before Rome Dela Rosa hit a baseline jumper. Ian Sangalang and Mark Barroca then joined the attack as the Hotshots put together an 11-4 run to stretch the lead back to 99-90 with just over six minutes left.

Magnolia put the game away with another 7-0 run, capped by Dela Rosa's three-pointer that extended the advantage to 105-92.

"I hope ito 'yung hinihintay naming momentum," said Magnolia head coach LA Tenorio after his team secured its breakthrough win.

Import KJ Buffen led the Hotshots with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists, while Lucero contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks.

Sangalang provided 16 points off the bench, veteran guard Mark Barroca added 14, and rookie Jerom Lastimosa finished with 13 as Magnolia received balanced production from its local players.

Tenorio stressed the importance of his local core contributing alongside their import.

"The locals should really produce also. I'm not saying through points, just the support of the locals, napakalaking bagay na sa import. So the import doesn't have to score 50 or 60 points just to win the game," he said.

"Siyempre magagaling din mag-scout na 'yung mga teams ngayon eh, so we really have to work together, to help our import especially the locals."

Antonio Hester scored 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against his former team but received limited offensive support.

CJ Cansino added 12 points, while Bong Quinto and Aaron Black chipped in 11 and 10, respectively, as Meralco fell to 2-2.

Magnolia returns to action against Rain or Shine on July 31 before facing Barangay Ginebra on Aug. 2. Meralco, meanwhile, looks to bounce back against Ginebra on July 31 at the Mall of Asia Arena.