(PBA image)
After two frustrating defeats to open its campaign, Magnolia finally found the fire it had been searching for—and Meralco happened to be standing in the way.
Powered by a dominant all-around performance from import KJ Buffen and a long-awaited breakout from its local stars, the Hotshots stormed past the Bolts, 112-98, on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to breathe life into their PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup campaign.
The victory wasn’t just Magnolia’s first of the conference. It was a statement that the Hotshots are far from ready to be written off.
Buffen came out with an attacking mindset from the opening tip, exploding for 22 first-half points before finishing with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. But unlike Magnolia’s previous losses, this wasn’t a one-man show.
The Hotshots finally displayed the balanced attack that head coach LA Tenorio had been pleading for.
Zavier Lucero erased a quiet first half to finish with a strong 20-point, 11-rebound double-double. Veteran center Ian Sangalang was nearly automatic, knocking down his first six shots on the way to 16 points, while Mark Barroca once again proved why he remains Magnolia’s heartbeat with 14 points and his trademark hustle on both ends.
Even Jerrick Ahanmisi Lastimosa added 13 points as Magnolia’s offense flowed with confidence from start to finish.
For Tenorio, the difference wasn’t talent—it was belief.
The rookie coach revealed that the team spent the week regrouping after its disappointing start, studying film and rebuilding confidence before facing one of the league’s hottest teams.
His message was simple: trust each other and believe they could compete with anybody.
The players responded.
“They just had to believe that we can battle with these strong, tough, seasoned teams,” Tenorio said. “They practiced hard all week, watched the videos together, and they executed what we prepared.”
Just as important for Tenorio was seeing Magnolia’s locals finally ease the burden on Buffen.
After earlier admitting the Hotshots could not rely solely on their import, the coach was thrilled to see his supporting cast step up—not just by scoring, but by making winning plays across the board.
That collective effort kept Meralco from ever completing a comeback.
The Bolts repeatedly threatened with second-half runs, but every rally was quickly answered by Magnolia through timely baskets and disciplined execution.
Antonio Hester did everything he could to keep Meralco alive, pouring in a game-high 28 points with 10 rebounds. CJ Cansino contributed 12 points, while Bong Quinto and Aaron Black chipped in 11 and 10, respectively.
Still, Meralco never fully recovered from Magnolia’s blistering opening assault, suffering its second loss in four games after entering the contest riding a two-game winning streak.
Despite finally getting into the win column, Tenorio knows the Hotshots remain a work in progress.
He admitted Magnolia still has plenty of defensive issues to fix but emphasized that this breakthrough victory could become the turning point the team desperately needed.
“A lot of things are still to be improved, especially our defense,” Tenorio admitted. “But we really needed this win. Hopefully, this becomes the momentum we’ve been waiting for.”
That momentum will immediately be put to the test.
Magnolia now heads into a challenging stretch against Rain or Shine before facing crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra just three days later.
If Friday’s performance was any indication, the sleeping Hotshots may have finally awakened—and the rest of the PBA has every reason to take notice.