The Magnolia Hotshots repeated over the Meralco Bolts on Friday, authoring a 105-88 rout at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in a game delayed by 40 minutes due to a leaking roof. Magnolia improved to 3-3 in the PBA Governors’ Cup, while Meralco dropped to the Group B cellar at 2-5.
What Happened?
Sparked by the return of CJ Cansino and an aggressive Chris Newsome, the Bolts raced out to a quick 29-22 lead in the first. Magnolia returned the favor in the second, outscoring Meralco 29-25 to enter halftime down by just one, 48-47.
The game was close all throughout the third quarter, with Magnolia winning it, 24-22, on a Paul Lee jumper with five seconds remaining. As a result, the Hotshots entered the fourth ahead by one, 71-70. The start of the final frame, however, was delayed by about 40 minutes as a heavy downpour caused the roof of the Ninoy Aquino Stadium to leak right onto the court.
That stoppage seemed to favor the Hotshots, who opened the final period on a 10-3 run to extend the lead to 81-73. Another 9-2 blitz gave Magnolia a 90-75 lead and complete control en route to the win.
Who Stood Out?
Jerom Lastimosa absolutely took over in the fourth, where he fired 8 of his 17 points while running point for Magnolia. He added 5 rebounds and 6 assists. KJ Buffen, meanwhile, led the way with 27 points and 7 rebounds, while Ian Sangalang continued his strong Governors’ Cup with 16 points on 5-for-6 shooting to go along with his 10 rebounds.
The returning Jason Brickman, who missed two games due to illness, sparked Meralco with 19 points on five triples, while Chris Newsome tallied 17 markers to go along with 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Import Antonio Hester did his part, too, with 24 points.
3 Keys to the Game
- Jerom Lastimosa. It seems Lastimosa is making a habit of torturing Meralco, and he did that in the fourth quarter of Friday’s nightcap. The former Adamson Falcon got to his spots and controlled the game at the point in that fourth-quarter breakaway, and the Bolts just didn’t have an answer.
- Offensive rebounds. Magnolia absolutely dominated the boards, 46-25, with a 14-5 advantage in offensive rebounding. The Hotshots translated that into 15 second-chance points to Meralco’s 0.
- Bench play. While Meralco’s starters outscored their Magnolia counterparts, 75-53, the latter’s reserves stepped up, outplaying the other bench to the tune of 52 points to 13. Lastimosa led the second unit, with Sangalang providing the interior muscle.
Next Up for the PBA
Saturday, August 8, 2026 | Ynares Center – Montalban
TNT Tropang 5G vs. Titan Ultra Giant Risers (5:15 p.m.)
San Miguel Beermen vs. Macau Giant Pandas (7:30 p.m.)
