Hotshots finally barge into win column

Magnolia finally secured its first victory in the PBA Season 47 Governors’ Cup.

The Hotshots, who dropped their first three outings in the season-ending conference, unveiled Antonio Hester and pulled off a 13-point win over Phoenix, 108-95, Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Hester, who suited up previously for the Terrafirma Dyip and came in as a replacement for Eric McCree, debuted for the 2014 PBA Grand Slam champs with a game-high 28 points on 9-of-14 shooting in 42 minutes of action. He also tallied 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals and a block.

“We changed a lot of our movements especially offensively because, without Ian, we don’t have any post threat. This guy [Hester] opens up the floor and gives chances to our guards to get their shot,” said Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero during the post-game presser.

“The locals are playing well right now. Although we lost our last three games, they played well. We just need a game-changer like Hes right here, who can turn things around for us,” he added.

Mark Barroca backed up the team’s new reinforcement with 19 points in addition to 3 boards, 4 dimes and 2 steals. Calvin Abueva finished with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds while shooters Paul Lee and Jerrick Ahanmisi added 14 and 12 markers, respectively.

Jason Perkins paced the Fuel Masters with 20 points while Larry Muyang had 15. Tyler Tio chipped in 13 markers while Phoenix import Du’vaughn Maxwell came through with 11 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and a game-high 7 turnovers.

The Hotshots will return to action on Sunday, February 12, 6:45pm against unbeaten defending champion Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

The scores:

Magnolia 108 – Hester 28, Barroca 19, Abueva 18, Lee 14, Ahanmisi 12, Dela Rosa 6, Escoto 4, Wong 3, Jalalon 2, Laput 2, Corpuz 0, Reavis 0, Dionisio 0, Mendoza 0.

Phoenix Super LPG 95 – Perkins 20, Muyang 15, Tio 13, Maxwell 11, Jazul 9, Serrano 8, Manganti 6, Alejandro 4, Soyud 3, Adamos 3, Go 3, Lalata 0, Garcia 0, Camacho 0.

Quarterscores: 23-21, 58-36, 87-67, 108-95.