Magnolia showed poise from the foul line and fended off a hard-fighting Blackwater, 81-77, to string three straight victories in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, April 17.

With the Bossing making a last-ditch run that put them within striking distance in the final frame, the Hotshots took care of business from the charity stripe with Paul Lee, Mark Barroca and Calvin Abueva delivering the dagger the free throws to seal the deal.

Magnolia actually opened a 17-point spread in the middle quarters but saw a brave fight from Blackwater which came too close for comfort for the Hotshots, 76-71, with 1:36 left in the game.

Barroca, who once again led the way for the Hotshots with 19 points, coolly sank two pressure-packed free throws to give his team more breathing room, 78-71, in the waning seconds.

Rookie James Kwekuteye nailed a long bomb to keep the fight for the Bossing but Paul Lee slammed the door on Blackwater with two more free throws.

After two stellar games for Magnolia, Ian Sangalang cooled down with 10 points to show while Calvin Abueva notched a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds. Lee was the other Hotshot in twin-digit scoring with 10 as well.

With the win, Magnolia improved to a solo fourth in the standings with a 4-2 slate while sending the Blackwater reeling to its five straight defeat after a 3-0 start in the conference.

The Bossing actually kept in step with the Hotshots in the first half with a 34-all deadlock at the break. 

However, just like in previous losses, a huge offensive drought, this time in the third quarter, spelled doom for the Bossing as the Hotshots took advantage and built a double-digit lead, 56-45 heading into the final frame.

Magnolia looked poised to cruise to an easy win but Blackwater refused to wave the flag just yet as a barrage of three-pointers from Kwekuteye and Troy Rosario pulled them back within striking distance only to fall short anew in the end.

Kwekuteye had a solid outing for the second consecutive game finishing with 23 points while Rosario added 20 points and six rebounds in a losing effort.