The Magnolia Hotshots are now winners of four of their last five games after dispatching the Converge FiberXers, 106-94, on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The win moves the Hotshots’ PBA Commissioner’s Cup record to an even 4-4 after starting out the conference 0-3. The loss sends the FiberXers to 2-6, and they now have to win their remaining games to at least have a chance to make the quarters.
What Happened?
Magnolia displayed its defensive tenacity right in the opening frame, holding the high-powered FiberXers to only 15 points. Zavier Lucero and Ian Sangalang provided much of the scoring, while a Chris Koon buzzer-beating four-pointer gave the Hotshots a 22-15 advantage. Things continued going Magnolia’s way in the second, which it also won, 27-24, to take a 49-39 advantage at halftime.
Converge’s offense continued humming in the third, where Archie Concepcion fired 8 points off the bench to help the FiberXers to a 25-point quarter. However, Magnolia kept in step with them, scoring 25 as well to enter the fourth still ahead by 10, 74-64. The Hotshots extended the lead to 84-64 with nine minutes left in the game and looked ready to cruise to the win. Juan Gomez de Liaño, though, led one last rally that got Converge to within 98-91 at the two-minute mark. But that would be as close as the FiberXers would get.
Who Stood Out?
Clint Chapman proved yet again that he’s just what the doctor ordered for Magnolia, notching 22 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks despite battling foul trouble. Zav Lucero stood out as well, finishing with 17 points, 14 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block. Finally, Paul Lee showed out, tallying 7 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals.
Converge struggled yet again on Sunday, with only Gomez de Liaño showing a semblance of a fight, particularly in the fourth. The super rookie recorded 22 points and tried to shoot the FiberXers back in that fourth.
3 Keys to the Game
- Defense. LA Tenorio has been preaching defense to his Hotshots, and they responded on Sunday, limiting Converge to just 94 points on 45.5% shooting, which would’ve been lower if not for JGDL’s stirring fourth quarter.
- Execution. The Hotshots were also superb on offense, moving the ball constantly and finding the open man repeatedly, as shown in the 28 assists they recorded. That excellent execution allowed Magnolia to shoot 48.6% overall and 52.6% from downtown.
- Composure. Calvin Abueva tried to be extra physical with the Hotshots and kept instigating. But Lucero and company kept their poise and mostly refused to engage. Instead, they responded by playing better and making big shots.
Next Up for the PBA
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Titan Ultra Giant Risers vs. Macau Black Knights (5:15 p.m.)
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Phoenix Fuel Masters (7:30 p.m.)
