Hotshots return to winning form, thump winless Bossing

Marc Barroca came off the bench to lead the Magnolia Hotshots to victory over Blackwater. PBA Media Bureau.

By Ricky Manliguis

MANILA—Magnolia bounced back from its shock loss the last time out, venting its ire on Blackwater, 94-78, in the first game of Friday action of the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Bucking a slow start, the Hotshots spewed fire in the second half enough to improve to a 5-1 win-loss slate, while keeping the Bossing winless in six games. The win also somehow eased the pain for the boys of Coach Chito Victolero after its monumental 94-95 collapse against the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday.

After a slim 44-41 halftime lead, Magnolia went on a tear, outscoring Blackwater 26-16 in the third for a commanding 70-57 lead at quarter’s end.

They then held on from there. Marc Barroca and Ian Sangalang each chipped in 16 points for Magnolia, which also got 15 from Paul Lee and 14 with 10 boards from Calvin Abueva.

Rookie Jerrick Ahanmisi had 12 points off the bench.

"We have that sense of urgency to bounce back hard in this game," said Victolero at post-game. "Alam naman nila ‘yun that this is a very important game for us that's why we have that sense of urgency."

Kelly Nabong paced the Bossing, which tied the franchise's longest losing streak at 14 games dating back to the bubble last season, with 19 markers and 14 rebounds, with Mike Tolomia the only other double-digit scorer with 16.

The Scores:

MAGNOLIA 94—Barroca 16, Sangalang 16, Lee 15, Abueva 14, Ahanmisi 12, Jalalon 7, Corpuz 6, Dela Rosa 4, Reavis 2, Brill 2, Melton 0, Pascual 0, Dionisio 0.

BLACKWATER 78—Nabong 19, Tolomia 16, Aner 9, Daquioag 8, Cruz 6, Paras 6, Canaleta 6, Enciso 5, Escoto 2, Golla 1, Desderio 0, Torralba 0, Dennison 0.

Quarterscores: 22-26, 44-41, 70-57, 94-78.

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