Hotshots rout Bolts for first win

HONG KONG -- The Magnolia Hotshots tallied their first win in the PBA Governors’ Cup after blasting the Meralco Bolts, 112-98, Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

Magnolia needed a late run to break the game wide open to post its first victory in three games, while also snapping the two-game winning streak of the Bolts. 

KJ Buffen powered the Hotshots with 26 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in the victory. Zav Lucero chipped in 20 markers, 11 boards, two dimes, two swats and two steals, while Ian Sangalang provided the spark off the bench with 16 points and four rebounds. 

“I just have to give credit to my players. Sinasabi ko sa kanila na we just have to believe that we can battle with these strong teams, tough teams, seasoned teams,” Magnolia head coach LA Tenorio said after the game. 

“Yun ang gusto naming makita. Pero we have a lot of things to work on, especially on the defensive end, marami pa kaming lapses. But for us, we really needed this win, napakaimportante ng panalong ito para sa amin,” he added. 

“I hope, ito yung hinihintay namin na momentum.” 

Magnolia had a strong start in the game, going up 31-20 at the end of the first. 

But the Bolts tried to dig themselves out of the hole, keeping themselves within striking distance as the ballgame went on. 

The lead shrunk to just two, 86-88, with 8:54 remaining after a deuce by Aaron Black. 

However, a backbreaking 17-6 run capped by a triple by Rome dela Rosa broke the game wide open anew, 105-92, with 3:49 left. 

And it was a lead that was too great to overcome for Meralco, as the closest they got to from that point on was a nine point spread. 

Mark Barroca and Jerom Lastimosa had 14 and 13 points, respectively, for the winning team. 

Antonio Hester carried the load for Meralco with 28 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals. CJ Cansino added 12 points, while Bong Quinto and Black had 11 and 10, respectively. 

Meralco dropped to 2-2, while Magnolia rose to 1-2 in the standings.