Hotshots wallop Bolts in rain-delayed PBA game

MANILA, Philippines -- It was not just the leaky roof that poured in the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. 

The Magnolia Hotshots found their groove in the fourth quarter to blast the Meralco Bolts, 105-88, in their PBA Governors’ Cup clash on a rainy Friday evening. 

After less than an hour of a rain delay because of a leaky roof, Magnolia turned a 71-70 lead to a double-digit advantage with 34 points in the final frame as their offense torrented through to a breezy win. 

KJ Buffen had 27 points, seven rebounds and three assists in the win. Jerom Lastimosa backstopped with 17 points, six assists and five rebounds, while Ian Sangalang had 16 markers and 10 boards. 

After about 40 minutes of delay due to the rain pouring on the playing court, the contest resumed and eventually, Magnolia led by two, 75-73, after a Bong Quinto layup with 10:22 left. 

But a massive 15-2 run, capped by a Zav Lucero deuce, broke the game wide open, 90-75, with 5:11 to go. 

Meralco tried to storm back, but huge shots by Paul Lee, Sangalang and Mark Barroca kept their opponents at bay, 95-80. 

A Chris Newsome triple made it an 88-98 deficit with 2:12 to go, but finishing touches by Buffen, Sangalang and Barroca iced the game. 

Lucero chipped in 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and a block for the Hotshots. 

Antonio Hester powered Meralco with 24 points, three assists, two rebounds, two steals and a block. Jason Brickman had 19 markers, while Newsome and CJ Cansino had 17 and 15, respectively. 

Magnolia rose to a 3-3 win-loss record, while Meralco dropped its fourth straight loss as it slipped to a 2-4 slate.