Mark Barroca to the rescue as Magnolia escapes Converge
Published May 31, 2023 03:13 pm
Mark Barroca saved the day for Magnolia, draining a clutch fadeaway elbow jumper with 40 seconds left as the Hotshots pulled off a 99-95 escape over the Converge FiberXers in PBA on Tour on Wednesday, May 31, at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.
With the Hotshots on the verge of disaster after squandering a comfortable 14-point lead and staring at a three-point deficit, Barroca took charge and scored six of Magnolia’s last seven points to lift his team past the FiberXers. Barroca, who was silent all game long, suddenly came alive in the waning minutes of the final frame to finish with 12 points – none bigger than the go-ahead jumper he nailed over the outstretched arms of FiberXers forward Barkley Ebona to give his team its second win in as many games. Down by three, 92-95 with 1:54 to go, Barroca first coolly sank two free throws to keep Magnolia within one. The Hotshots' defense held up in the next possession with Barroca also completing the steal before he broke down the defense of Ebona on the offensive end to put Magnolia back in the driver's seat. If that was not enough, the veteran playmaker, who also dished out seven assists and collared four rebounds, drew a foul on Balanza to give Magnolia a three-point cushion, 98-95, with eight ticks left. Converge, though, still had a great look at the basket in its final possession but Jerrick Balanza missed on his three-point try that could have sent the game to an extra period. Barroca’s heroics however wouldn’t be possible if not for fellow veteran Paul Lee who also nailed a booming triple late in the contest to prevent Converge from pulling away. He finished with 21 points while Jed Mendoza and Jerrick Ahanmisi added 14 and 12, respectively. Kevin Racal, who sparked the FiberXers’ fiery run in the final frame, led the way with 22 points while Balanza continued to flourish with another stellar performance of 20 points. Mike Nieto also looked comfortable with his new team, following up an impressive 12-point debut with 18 points this time around
*Veteran Mark Barroca rescues Magnolia in endgame. (PBA Images)
*With the Hotshots on the verge of disaster after squandering a comfortable 14-point lead and staring at a three-point deficit, Barroca took charge and scored six of Magnolia’s last seven points to lift his team past the FiberXers. Barroca, who was silent all game long, suddenly came alive in the waning minutes of the final frame to finish with 12 points – none bigger than the go-ahead jumper he nailed over the outstretched arms of FiberXers forward Barkley Ebona to give his team its second win in as many games. Down by three, 92-95 with 1:54 to go, Barroca first coolly sank two free throws to keep Magnolia within one. The Hotshots' defense held up in the next possession with Barroca also completing the steal before he broke down the defense of Ebona on the offensive end to put Magnolia back in the driver's seat. If that was not enough, the veteran playmaker, who also dished out seven assists and collared four rebounds, drew a foul on Balanza to give Magnolia a three-point cushion, 98-95, with eight ticks left. Converge, though, still had a great look at the basket in its final possession but Jerrick Balanza missed on his three-point try that could have sent the game to an extra period. Barroca’s heroics however wouldn’t be possible if not for fellow veteran Paul Lee who also nailed a booming triple late in the contest to prevent Converge from pulling away. He finished with 21 points while Jed Mendoza and Jerrick Ahanmisi added 14 and 12, respectively. Kevin Racal, who sparked the FiberXers’ fiery run in the final frame, led the way with 22 points while Balanza continued to flourish with another stellar performance of 20 points. Mike Nieto also looked comfortable with his new team, following up an impressive 12-point debut with 18 points this time around