Mark Barroca came through in the clutch just like the old times as Magnolia frustrated San Miguel in overtime, 98-95, to capture the solo lead in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the SMART Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.
The veteran playmaker finished with only seven points, but his last four were undeniably the most important of the night, as those enabled the Hotshots to complete the comeback after being down by as many as 14 points early.
He first nailed a long deuce to give themselves the 96-95 lead with 49.4 seconds to go in response to June Mar Fajardo’s bucket on the other end.
The 38-year-old then gave his side even more space to breathe by knocking down another jumper for the eventual count with 7.3 seconds left.
A missed trey by Don Trollano as time expired helped the crew survive and, more importantly, collect its third win in as many games.
(C) PBA Images
“We need this kind of game, a grind-out game, to test our character, also and to test kung nasaan kami ngayon,” said head coach Chito Victolero.
“Maganda para sa team namin. We have a long break and sabi ko sa kanila, bonus sa amin kung manalo kami because medyo matagal ‘yung pahinga namin bago kami bumalik sa practice. Magandang panalo,” he added.
Zavier Lucero top-scored for Magnolia with 24 points and seven rebounds, together with two assists and two blocks — all without a turnover.
Jerom Lastimosa delivered 21 points, including the split from the foul line with 12.9 seconds left in regulation to force OT eventually.
Peter Alfaro chipped in 11 points as the Hotshots’ youth brigade delivered in an early battle between two of the league’s traditional contenders.
(C) PBA Images
“Our youth, the combination of the veteran and the youth, malaking factor sa amin. These guys, Zavier, Jerom, Aris, and Peter will be a big factor for us for this conference to support our veterans,” lauded Victolero.
The vets showed up as well, with Calvin Abueva finishing with a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds and Paul Lee adding 10 markers.
Magnolia won’t play until April 26, Saturday, where it takes on Phoenix in Zamboanga City in a special out-of-town offering by the league.
Fajardo, meanwhile, registered 17 points and 17 rebounds to lead San Miguel. Juami Tiongson made 17 points as well in a losing effort.
Trollano supplied 16 points. CJ Perez made 14 points, five rebounds, and six assists against seven turnovers while Rodney Brondial and Chris Ross added 10 apiece for the Beermen, who lost for the first time after a 2-0 start.
SMB is set to take on another long-time rival in Barangay Ginebra on April 25, Friday, 7:30 p.m. still at the Big Dome in what should be another thriller.
The Scores:
Magnolia 98 – Lucero 24, Lastimosa 21, Alfaro 11, Abueva 11, Lee 10, Sangalang 8, Barroca 7, Dela Rosa 4, Reavis 2, Dionisio 0, Laput 0, Ahanmisi 0, Balanza 0, Escoto 0.
San Miguel 95 – Fajardo 17, Tiongson 17, Trollano 16, Perez 14, Ross 10, Brondial 10, Lassiter 3, Cahilig 3, Tautuaa 3, Cruz 2, Teng 0.
Quarterscores: 18-18, 36-45, 61-67, 87-87, 98-95.
#WATCH: “IT’S ALL ABOUT OUR DETERMINATION OF OUR PLAYERS”
Chito Victolero praises Magnolia’s young guns, Jerom Lastimosa and Zavier Lucero, for stepping up and giving veterans Mark Barroca and Paul Lee a chance to secure the win against San Miguel!🏀
📹 @justinebacnis… pic.twitter.com/wEtmfVYAUg
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 16, 2025
