The Magnolia Hotshots resumed their impressive performance in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, securing a hard-fought 107-101 victory against Blackwater on Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. This game marked the Hotshots’ fourth consecutive win as they climbed to a 5-3 record in Group B, closing in on the group leaders.
After taking a two-month break due to various international commitments, Magnolia showcased their resilience and skill, building upon their momentum from the previous games. The team had initially struggled at the beginning of the conference, starting with a 1-3 record. Notably, their earlier match against Blackwater ended in disappointment with an 89-81 defeat. However, Magnolia found their rhythm just before the break, overcoming initial setbacks to string together a significant winning streak.
KJ Buffen emerged as the star of the night, delivering an impressive double-double with 24 points and 20 rebounds. His performance included a crucial 5-0 scoring run in a brief span of 40 seconds, which effectively thwarted Blackwater’s attempts at a comeback late in the game, securing Magnolia's lead at a critical moment.
Supporting Buffen were Jerom Lastimosa and Zavier Lucero, contributing 24 and 17 points, respectively. The overall team effort was evident as four other players also added to the score, helping to maintain pressure on the Bossing throughout the match. This win followed closely on the heels of their previous victory against Phoenix, where they triumphed with a 115-101 scoreline prior to the break.
Head coach LA Tenorio praised his coaching staff for keeping the team ready during his absence, as he filled a coaching role for Gilas Pilipinas during international competitions. His comments highlighted the dedication and preparation that led to this successful return to the court.
The first half of the match was tightly contested, with both teams battling fiercely and neither side managing to build a substantial lead. However, the Hotshots took control in the third quarter, turning a slim three-point lead into an 11-point advantage at 74-63, which they maintained for the remainder of the game.
In another entertaining matchup, the Barangay Ginebra also celebrated a strong performance, with new import Jordan Murphy making a striking debut. He recorded 30 points, alongside 13 rebounds and 7 assists, leading Ginebra to a commanding 129-111 win over Rain or Shine, further intensifying the competition in the league.