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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Magnolia clamps down on Meralco to notch first win

Magnolia clamps down on Meralco to notch first win

Published Jul 24, 2026 07:34 pm

At A Glance

  • The Hotshots tightened up their defensive screws in the last five minutes, forcing the Bolts to consecutive turnovers to fuel a 13-4 spurt that allowed them to create the much-needed separation in the tight contest.

Magnolia banked on its pesky defense down the stretch and pulled away against Meralco, 112-98, to notch its first win in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, July 24.

The Hotshots tightened up their defensive screws in the last five minutes, forcing the Bolts to consecutive turnovers to fuel a 13-4 spurt that allowed them to create the much-needed separation in the tight contest.

Magnolia finally got over the hump with KJ Buffen getting solid support from his locals as four other players finished in double figures.

Buffen pumped in 26 points, 12 rebounds and five assists while Zavier Lucero contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and two blocks for the Hotshots, who improved to a 1-2 record in the Group B standings.

Ian Sangalang chipped in 16 points while Mark Barroca and Jerom Lastimosa added 14 and 13 respectively.

Holding on to a 92-88 lead midway through the payoff period, the Hotshots unloaded the telling run that established them a 105-92 lead with 3:49 left.

Meralco had its chances to make a comeback and get within striking distance, but Magnolia's defense in the end game proved too hard to crack for the Bolts with import Antonio Hester emerging as the lone player scoring the rest of the way.

Hester posted 28 points and 10 rebounds in a losing effort for Meralco, which slid to a 2-2 slate. CJ Cansino and Bong Quinto had 12 and 11 points, respectively, which went for naught.

Related Tags

Magnolia Hotshots Meralco Bolts PBA
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