MAGNOLIA remained as the only undefeated team in the PBA Philippine Cup following a methodical 118-99 beatdown of Phoenix Saturday night in a special road game at the Zamboanga City Coliseum.
READ: Inspired Barroca leads Magnolia to hometown win in Zamboanga
Five players notched double-figures in scoring for the Hotshots led by Ian Sangalang with 20 points and Zamboanga’s pride Mark Barroca with 18.
It was the fourth straight win for the team in yet another strong start to a conference for the Purefoods franchise.
The Fuel Masters went down to their third loss in four outings, as they failed to follow up their huge 109-97 upset of defending champion Meralco before the Holy Week break.
Here’s some of the takeaways in the initial out-of-town game for the league’s season-ending conference.
1. ANOTHER 'INTROVOYS' SIGN FOR HOTSHOTS?
Fans had seen this before. A strong start for Magnolia only to falter once the going gets tough. No wonder the Hotshots had been branded as 'Introvoys.'
But kidding aside, Magnolia is certainly making up for its listless showing in the first two conferences where it had to scrape its way out of the eliminations only to have an early exit in the playoffs as shown by its quarterfinals meltdown in the Governors’ Cup (vs. Rain or Shine) and Commissioner’s Cup (against Northport).
Now, the team is off to a hot start, including convincing wins against top contenders San Miguel and Converge. It’s still too early in the conference, but at least the Hotshots are now off and running.
2. SANGALANG MAKING PRESENCE FELT FOR MAGNOLIA
The veteran big man’s consistent play is among the major reasons for the team’s sizzling start out of the gate. In four games, the 33-year-old San Sebastian product averaged 15.2 points and 7.0 rebounds, including a conference-high 20 against the Fuel Masters.
The arrival of Zavier Lucero definitely eased off the load for the former NCAA MVP, allowing him to play his usual game and role when he first came over the Purefoods franchise.
3. KAI BALLUNGAY SHOWING HIS VALUE FOR PHOENIX
The rookie big man is beginning to show the reason why he was the No. 4 overall pick in the Season 49 Draft. The Ateneo alum has been churning out double-doubles for the Fuel Masters in three of their four outings, and finished with 25 points (second personal-best this conference) and 15 rebounds in the loss against the Hotshots.
Unnoticed, Ballungay is so far one of the quiet but steady players this conference by averaging 20.2 points and 12.5 rebounds.
4. ZAMBOANGA HOMECOMING FOR BARROCA, ET AL
The rare game down in Zamboanga was an opportunity for three homeboys to go back to their roots. Aside from Barroca, the province is home to Phoenix veteran point guard RR Garcia and Magnolia teammate Peter Alfaro, whose family owns the famous Alavar Seafood Restaurant in the province.
Inspired playing before their kababayans and loved ones, all three Zamboanga natives had good games. Garcia was a perfect 3-of-3 from three-point range to finish with 22 points, three rebounds, and five assists; Barroca had 18 points on 7-of-14 field goal shooting, while adding six rebounds and five assists; and Alfaro went 2-of-4 from beyond the arc for six points and two boards.
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