Hotshots Extend Winning Streak, Defeat FiberXers for Second Consecutive Victory

Magnolia extended its winning streak to two games in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, cruising to a 106-94 victory over Converge on Sunday at the Ynares Center.

Building on a commanding win over San Miguel, the Hotshots carried their momentum into this matchup, jumping out to an early lead before sealing the game in the second half to secure back-to-back wins for the first time since their early-season victories over Macau and Terrafirma.

The win brought Magnolia's record to 4-4, tying them with San Miguel in the middle of the standings and keeping their playoff hopes alive. For Converge, the loss was a setback after their previous win over Titan Ultra, as they dropped to 2-6.

Head coach LA Tenorio credited his team's defensive discipline for the win.

“Before the game, I challenged the players to focus on making stops and playing solid halfcourt defense,” said Tenorio. “We know Converge has the talent to score, so I asked my players to treat this like a playoff game. It was them or us. And it paid off.”

Magnolia's frontcourt dominated the game, with Clint Chapman posting 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Zav Lucero added 17 points and 14 boards, despite taking a hard foul from Calvin Abueva in the fourth quarter, which was assessed as an F1 infraction.

Rome Dela Rosa contributed 13 points and six rebounds, and Jerom Lastimosa chipped in 10 points, as Magnolia’s starters set the pace throughout the game.

The Hotshots made their move in the third quarter, pushing the lead to 62-47, before extending it to 20 points at 84-64 early in the fourth. Converge mounted a late rally, narrowing the deficit to 98-91 behind a flurry of points from Juan Gomez de Liano, but Magnolia responded with a composed finish.

Paul Lee, Mark Barroca, Chapman, and Dela Rosa steadied the ship down the stretch, securing the victory for the Hotshots.

Gomez de Liano led Converge with 22 points, 16 of which came in a late-game push. Alec Stockton contributed 19 points, while Justin Arana posted 15 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Archie Concepcion added 14 points as Coach Delta Pineda leaned on his local players.

Import Kylor Kelley had limited minutes, playing just 26 minutes and finishing with seven points on perfect shooting, six rebounds, a steal, and two blocks, but did not re-enter in the closing lineup.