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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Magnolia stifles NLEX to stay in top 4 hunt

Magnolia stifles NLEX to stay in top 4 hunt

Published Dec 7, 2025 07:26 pm

At A Glance

  • The Hotshots banked on their stifling defense in the second frame to blow out the Road Warriors, 98-82 and get back on track in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Montalban on Sunday, Dec. 7.
Magnolia put a huge roadblock to NLEX’s road to quarterfinals bonus.
The Hotshots banked on their stifling defense in the second frame to blow out the Road Warriors, 98-82 and get back on track in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Montalban on Sunday, Dec. 7.
After a close first quarter showdown between the two teams, Magnolia tightened up its defensive screws in the second quarter that saw the Hotshots limit the Road Warriors to a measly eight points while pouring 19.
The huge defensive quarter for Magnolia fueled the crucial pull away from a competitive 28-22 affair at the end of the first frame into a commanding 47-30 at the break.
Zav Lucero anchored the defense for the Hotshots by grabbing 12 rebounds, while putting 18 points, two blocks and two steals.
Rome Dela Rosa and Mark Barroca chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively, while James Laput and Chris Koon contributed 11 points apiece to help Magnolia improve to a 6-3 record, good for a share of the fourth spot its victim, NLEX.
The win also came as a huge response for Magnolia after absorbing a 114-97 loss to Converge just two days ago.
Javee Mocon and Robert Bolick had 12 points apiece to lead the Road Warriors side that hardly looked like the same high-scoring team that it was before the PBA break.
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