WHETHER it be in Manila or far-away Zamboanga, the Magnolia Hotshots just continue to rampage in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Behind hometown idol Mark Barroca, the Hotshots made short work of the Meralco Bolts, 99-88, for their fifth straight win and retain third place in the standings on Saturday night.
Barroca finished with a team-high 21 points playing at the MVA City Coliseum in Zamboanga where he spent years playing as a kid and as a high school player before eventually taking his act to Manila.
Paul Lee added 18 points, making 4-of-7 shots from three-point range, and import Jamea Farr had a double-double of 19 points and 17 rebounds as Magnolia improved to 5-2 overall.
The loss spoiled the Meralco debut of import Delroy James, who finished with 35 points and 10 rebounds.
The arrival of James, who replaced the injured Gani Lawal, failed to prevent the Bolts from losing a fourth straight game for a 3-6 record, just outside the Magic 8 needed to qualify in the quarterfinals.
The Hotshots led from start to finish and enjoyed as much as a 21-point advantage in the fourth period.
The Bolts tried to make a fight out of it and were just within 52-58 midway in the third period, but failed to sustain the run going in the final quarter.
Ian Sangalang also finished in double-double for Magnolia with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Only Chris Newsome finished n double figures among the Meralco locals with 10 points.
The scores:
Magnolia (99) - Barroca 21, Farr 19, Lee 18, Sangalang 11, Jalalon 9, Melton 6, Simon 5, Pingris 4, Herndon 3, Dela Rosa 3, Brondial 0.
Meralco (88) - James 35, Newsome 10, Tolomia 8, Hodge 6, Faundo 6, Jackson 5, Quinto 3, Salva 2, Amer 2, Canaleta 2, Caram 2, Pinto 0, Hugnatan 0.
Quarterscores: 32-15; 51-53; 72-63; 99-88.
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