Magnolia Hotshots’ Strong Start in PBA Philippine Cup
A month after finishing as runners-up in the last Commissioner’s Cup, the Magnolia Hotshots made a powerful start in the PBA Philippine Cup by defeating the winless Converge FiberXers with a score of 106-75.
Clean Slate for Magnolia
Head coach Chito Victolero emphasized the importance of moving forward and learning from past experiences. He expressed optimism for the new conference, believing that the team is still capable of winning the championship.
Dominant Performance
The Hotshots displayed a dominant performance throughout the game, outscoring the FiberXers in every quarter and securing a lead of up to 33 points. Despite the victory being certain, Magnolia continued to show determination and hustle until the final buzzer.
Player Contributions
Leading the scoring for Magnolia was Ian Sangalang with 17 points, supported by Calvin Abueva with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Jio Jalalon contributed 14 points, 7 assists, and 5 steals, while Mark Barroca added 12 points and 6 assists to the team’s victory.
Coach’s Mindset
Coach Victolero highlighted the team’s commitment to hard work and the goal of reaching the finals to claim the championship. He emphasized the significance of maintaining a positive mindset throughout the season.
Final Scores
- Magnolia 106 – Sangalang 17, Jalalon 14, Abueva 14, Barroca 12, and others
- Converge 75 – Arana 17, Stockton 15, Santos 13, Caralipio 8, and others