PBA: Magnolia dominates Phoenix in Q4 to continue hot streak

KJ Buffen led a three-guard charge for Magnolia, where he, Jerom Lastimosa, and Mark Barroca combined for 86 points. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Magnolia used a fourth-quarter blast to avenge its conference-opening loss to Phoenix in the PBA Governors' Cup through a 115-101 win on Wednesday night at the Ynares Center 1 in Antipolo.

Down 82-84 after the third quarter, the Hotshots went on a 33-17 tear in the final period to pull away from the Fuel Masters for a group stage split following the latter's 98-86 first-round win last month at the other Ynares Center in Rodriguez.

KJ Buffen fired 35 points on 13-for-18 shooting, including 3-for-4 from deep, with 10 rebounds, one assist, and three blocks to lead Magnolia, which tied its victim for second place in Group B at 4-3 with its third straight victory.

Jerom Lastimosa came alive too with 30 points on 11-for-14 field goals, three assists, and two steals off the bench.

Mark Barroca put up 21 points on 9-for-16 from the field, including 3-for-6 on threes, six rebounds, four assists, and one steal.

BJ Johnson dropped 37 points on six long-range shots, eight rebounds, two assists, three steals, and three blocks for Phoenix, but it was not enough to keep the team from going 0-2 so far in the second round after an inspiring 4-1 first round.