PBA: Magnolia earns first Governors' Cup win with victory over Meralco

The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots finally broke into the win column in the PBA Governors’ Cup after defeating the Meralco Bolts, 112-98, on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The victory snapped Magnolia's two-game skid to open the conference against Phoenix and Blackwater, improving the Hotshots to 1-2. Meralco, meanwhile, dropped to 2-2.

Magnolia held a 99-92 lead midway through the fourth quarter before unleashing a 6-0 run, capped by a Rome dela Rosa triple, to create more breathing room. Antonio Hester answered with a jumper and converted two free throws after drawing a foul from Zav Lucero to cut the deficit.

Lucero, however, responded with back-to-back baskets to all but put the game away. Brandon Bates scored for the Bolts in the closing minutes, but Lucero buried a triple to seal the 14-point victory.

"I have to give credit to my players. They just have to believe na we can battle with these strong teams, top teams, seasoned teams. 'Yun lang ang gusto namin makita. But again, a lot of things to still work on especially on the defensive end, marami pa kaming lapses. But for us, we really need this win," said Magnolia head coach LA Tenorio, who also practiced with the team.

"I hope ito ang hinihintay naming momentum kasi we play Rain or Shine and then back-to-back with Ginebra."

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

Ian Sangalang contributed 16 points, while Mark Barroca and Jerom Lastimosa added 14 and 13, respectively.

Hester led Meralco with 28 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals. CJ Cansino scored 12 points, Bong Quinto added 11, and Aaron Black chipped in 10.

Scores:

Magnolia 112 – Buffen 26, Lucero 20, Sangalang 16, Barroca 14, Lastimosa 13, Dela Rosa 9, Lee 6, Jopia 4, Alfaro 4, Andrada 0, Verano 0, Koon 0.

Meralco 98 – Hester 28, Cansino 12, Quinto 11, Black 10, Newsome 9, Banchero 7, Hodge 6, Maliksi 6, Brickman 5, Mocon 2, Bates 2.

Quarters: 31-20, 60-55, 84-77, 112-98.

—JKC, GMA News