The shorthanded Magnolia Hotshots routed the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, 95-77, for their second straight victory in the PBA Season 47 Philippine Cup on Friday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Magnolia missed the services of Cavin “The Beast” Abueva, who was serving a one-game suspension while ace guard Paul Lee remained in sick bay, nursing an injury. However, the Hotshots still had more than enough to take down Phoenix and even their win-loss record up at 3-3.
Magnolia got off to a red-hot start, scoring the game’s first 11 points to eventually build a 17-point advantage, 44-27, at halftime. The game’s tempo remained the same in the second half as the Hotshots stifled Phoenix at every turn to build their lead to a high of 27.
Mark Barroca led the way for the Hotshots with a complete stat-line of 21 points, five rebounds, six assists, and five steals. Jio Jalalon was just as lethal, compiling 18 points, eight boards, and eight assists, while Jackson Corpuz and Ian Sangalang pitched in 14 markers apiece.
Phoenix, which dropped to 2-3 for the season, 19 points and six rebounds from Javee Mocon, while Sean Maganti had 11. The Fuel Masters’ star wingman, Matthew Wright, was held to just nine markers.
Undermanned Magnolia still thrashes Phoenix in PBA Philippine Cup
