Hotshots dominate Gin Kings, snap skid in Manila Clasico showdown

Magnolia regained its footing in emphatic fashion, overwhelming longtime rival Barangay Ginebra, 88-73, in the latest Manila Clasico showdown of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Sunday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The Hotshots bounced back from a rough start to the conference and spoiled Ginebra head coach Tim Cone’s playful prediction that Magnolia would only find its form after facing his team.

Instead, Magnolia solved its early struggles immediately.

After taking a slim one-point lead at the end of the opening quarter, the Hotshots broke the game open in the second period. Their balanced offense and stifling defense allowed them to take a 53-43 advantage into halftime.

Magnolia continued to pull away after the break, dominating both ends of the floor while outscoring Ginebra, 50-33, across the second and third quarters to turn the rivalry matchup into a lopsided affair.

The victory lifted Magnolia to 2-3 in Group B, creating a three-way tie for third place with Ginebra and Blackwater.

"Very unpredictable 'yung group namin. We really have to find ways to win every game, especially in this coming second round," said Magnolia head coach LA Tenorio.

Zavier Lucero led the Hotshots’ charge with 24 points and 10 rebounds, scoring 22 points before halftime to ignite Magnolia’s decisive run.

Import KJ Buffen added a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Ian Sangalang provided a strong contribution off the bench with 16 points and seven rebounds.

"We needed it, especially over Ginebra. It puts us over them. We need the next ones. Every game counts right now. We dropped a few," Lucero said.

"We can't really take anyone lightly, we have to treat every game like it's a must-win."

Ginebra tried to mount a late comeback after cutting an 18-point deficit with a 7-0 run led by rookie John Abis, but Magnolia quickly restored order behind Buffen, Sangalang, and veteran Mark Barroca.

Stephen Holt paced the Kings with 17 points and five rebounds, while import Riley Grigsby contributed 15 points and five rebounds in the losing effort.

Magnolia will open the second round against Meralco on Friday, Aug. 7, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, while Ginebra will face Blackwater on Aug. 9 at the same venue.