PBA: Magnolia routs Ginebra anew to clinch playoff berth

Zav Lucero took flight for Magnolia in the last Manila Clasico for PBA Season 50. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY—In what could possibly be the last Manila Clasico for the PBA's 50th season, Magnolia imposed its will anew to beat Ginebra 112-93 on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Hotshots, now on a five-game winning streak, quickly recovered from the Gin Kings' solid 6-0 start and opened a 34-19 lead after the first quarter.

Magnolia never looked back and even stretched the lead to 28 points 94-66 in the fourth quarter before settling for the 19-point win.

Zav Lucero led the Hotshots, who secured the first quarterfinal berth for Group B with a 6-3 record, with 21 points on 8 of 16 field goals, nine rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Jerom Lastimosa added 16 points, three rebounds, and seven assists, while KJ Buffen put up 14 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.

Jordan Murphy only shot 5-for-18 from the field and only tallied 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal for the Gin Kings, who dropped to 3-5.