Magnolia unleashed a blazing 17-6 run to defeat Barangay Ginebra in their PBA on Tour preseason showdown at Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday.
Mark Barroca orchestrated the endgame run en route to the Hotshots’ 91-80 win over the Gin Kings.
Barroca tallied 20 points on top of his five assists and three steals, while Jerrick Ahanmisi added 17. Jio Jalalon chipped in 12 for Magnolia’s fourth win in the preseason.
“Gusto ni coach ‘yung ginagawa namin na nagbibuild ng confidence sa bawat isa,” said Barroca after Magnolia’s fourth victory. “Wala pa kaming napatunayan, ‘di panga kaming nakapachampion so kelangan mag compete kami sa practice para sa games ready kami.”
“‘Di pa to season, preseason pa lang so nagbi-build kami ng culture na manalo.”
Ginebra was still in the thick of things until Magnolia came up with an end game surge.
From a 74-all deadlock in the last five minutes, the Hotshots were able to break away thanks to Barroca’s lead.
Raymond Aguilar tried to keep Ginebra afloat, but Paul Lee and James Laput put the finishing touches on the victory for the Hotshots.
Aguilar finished with 22 points for the Kings, who played without their superstars Christian Standhardinger, Scottie Thompson, and Stanley Pringle.
See Related Story:
