After an impressive debut, in the opening game of PBA Season 50, the Magnolia Hotshots finally got to play again and picked up from where they left off, overwhelming the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 127-119, on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. It wasn’t easy, though, as Titan Ultra put up a gallant stand and stayed within striking distance of the Hotshots for much of the game. In the end, Magnolia just had more firepower, especially with Titan Ultra missing the injured Calvin Abueva.
What Happened?
Challenged by an inspired Titan Ultra side, Magnolia just kept building and building until the Giant Risers couldn’t keep up anymore. But make no mistake about it: the Giant Risers put up one big fight. In fact, they were within 92-88 after three. But the Hotshots started the fourth with 13 unanswered points to finally build some separation, 105-88, with just a little over seven minutes left in regulation. It was all she wrote for Magnolia, who cruised from there to win their second straight.
Who Stood Out?
Zavier Lucero was a force for Magnolia, delivering a superb 23-point, 17-rebound double-double on top of 4 assists and 1 block. He also had plenty of help, with Ian Sangalang, Mark Barroca, and Rome dela Rosa combining for 53 big points coming off the bench while missing just six shots among them. Sangalang was particularly impressive, proving unstoppable in the paint as he dropped 21 markers on Titan Ultra.
Over at Titan, it was Joshua Munzon who carried the fight, finishing with 28 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals in an all-around effort. Ato Ular helped out with his best game for the Giant Risers, adding 17 markers off the bench to go along with 6 boards.

3 Keys to the Game
- Ball movement. Like in their win against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, the Hotshots were moving the ball around with crisp passes, and this ball movement resulted in lots of open looks and good shots. No surprise Magnolia shot 63.2% from the field and registered 34 assists.
- Points in the paint. Against Ginebra, Magnolia displayed their perimeter firepower. Versus a smaller Titan Ultra frontcourt, the Hotshots kept pounding it inside, with Sangalang leading the way. The result was a considerable advantage in interior points, 88-36.
- Strong start to the fourth quarter. It looked like Titan Ultra was one stretch away from pulling off another upset this PBA Season 50. Magnolia dashed those hopes by starting the fourth with 13 unanswered points. It was what the Hotshots needed to finally get rid of the pesky Giant Risers.
Next Up for the PBA
The PBA takes the action to Ilocos Sur on Saturday, October 18, 2025, when the Converge FiberXers and TNT Tropang 5G face off in a battle of teams with title aspirations. The game will be played at Chavit Coliseum and will start at 7:30 p.m.
Converge vs. TNT