The Magnolia Hotshots averted what would’ve been another 0-3 start on Friday after beating the Meralco Bolts, 112-98, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. It is Magnolia’s first win in this PBA Governors’ Cup and Meralco’s second loss against two wins.
What Happened?
Magnolia and Meralco began the game by picking up from where they left off last conference as they went nip and tuck early. But behind Paul Lee and Ian Sangalang off the bench, the Hotshots created some separation and took a 31-20 lead after one. Meralco’s bench responded, leading a 35-29 turnaround in the second to push the Bolts to within 60-55 entering intermission.
The Hotshots then turned up their defense, holding Meralco to just 22 points while scoring 24 themselves to head into the final frame ahead, 84-77. Meralco seemed poised for a comeback when it crawled to within 88-86 at just under the nine-minute mark. But Magnolia went on a 12-4 spurt to reassert control, 99-90, en route to the blowout win.
Who Stood Out?
KJ Buffen again showed out for the Hotshots, recording 26 points on top of 12 rebounds and 5 assists. He got plenty of help, with Zavier Lucero tallying 20 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks; Ian Sangalang notching 16 points on 7-for-9 shooting; and Jerom Lastimosa adding 13 points and 5 dimes.
For Meralco, Antonio Hester put up 28 points and 10 rebounds after a slow first half. But he got little support from the Bolts’ usual reliables, with only Aaron Black (10 points off the bench) and Bong Quinto (11 points, also off the bench) playing well.
3 Keys to the Game
- Execution. Once again, the Hotshots showed they could break down that Meralco defense, and they did so with patient and pinpoint execution. The pick and roll was particularly impressive, with Sangalang the beneficiary of several dimes from Lee and Barroca.
- Third-quarter defense. In Meralco’s previous two wins, it cooked up a third-quarter storm each time. Magnolia would have none of that on Friday, clamping down on the Bolts and holding them to only 22 points.
- Veterans. It was like 2018 all over again for the Hotshots, as holdovers Lee, Sangalang, Barroca, and Rome Dela Rosa did heavy damage, both on offense and defense. In contrast, Meralco’s veterans Chris Newsome, Chris Banchero, and Cliff Hodge were mostly silent and ineffective.
Next Up for the PBA
Saturday, July 25, 2026 | Ynares Center – Antipolo
- Titan Ultra Giant Risers vs. Macau Giant Pandas (5:15 p.m.)
- TNT Tropang 5G vs. Terrafirma Dyip (7:30 p.m.)
