Hotshots prove hotter than FiberXers

MANILA, Philippines — With veteran Mark Barroca taking over in the stretch, Magnolia squeaked past Converge, 99-95, to chalk up back-to-back wins in the PBA on Tour Wednesday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Barely a factor in the first three periods, Barroca shifted to high gear in the most crucial stage, dropping 10 points and coming up with a couple of key defensive plays to bail the Hotshots out of trouble.

Barroca completed his heroics by sparking a 7-0 closing barrage that secured win No. 2 for Magnolia after squandering a 14-point lead and facing a three-point deficit in the last 1:49.

The two-time Finals MVP finished with 12 points to complement the 21 markers of Paul Lee, whose two clutch triples were a big factor as well in the Hotshots’ recovery from their near-meltdown.

Backup guard Jed Mendoza, showing the toughness and tenacity that’s been making life difficult for Barroca in practice, chipped in 14.

“All out kami para maganda ang start at makapag-build kami ng winning culture dito (pre-season) before maglaro sa October,” said Barroca after Magnolia secured a winning follow up to its opening 117-83 rout of Blackwater.

Racal rifled in 22 spiked by a 4-of-5 three-point shooting to pace the FiberXers, who tumbled to the loss after their 119-82 demolition of Terrafirma.