WATCH: Antonio Hester Highlights [Magnolia vs Blackwater | Mar. 8, 2023]
PBA Season 47 Governors' Cup
Magnolia capped its PBA Season 47 Governors’ Cup elimination round schedule with a 15-point romp over Blackwater, 110-95, Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Calvin Abueva scored a game-high 27 points and reached a career milestone by becoming the latest member of the league’s 5,000-point club as the Hotshots picked up their 7th win against 4 losses while the Bossing closed out their campaign in the season-ending conference with only a solitary victory in 11 outings.
‘The Beast’ shot 10-of-21 from the field and 6-of-8 from the stripe in 32 minutes of play. He also recorded 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks.
“Malaking bagay,” said Abueva on his scoring accomplishment. “Pero mas malaking bagay ‘yung effort kung yung team mo makakapunta sa top.”
“Pinahirapan kami ng Terrafirma. ‘Yung recovery namin, parang ang tagal i-sink sa isip namin na bakit nangyari yun. This time, ginawa namin paano namin mae-execute and made-depensahan ‘tong Blackwater,” he added.
Antonio Hester had 22 points and 20 rebounds to go with 3 assists and a block while Russel Escoto added a career-high of 17 points on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting.
“What we can control iyun ang aming tratrabahuhin, which is the game today. Then whatever happens to the other teams, hindi naming iyun kontrolado. Whatever iyung ibigay sa amin in the playoffs at least we have the chance, the opportunity,” said Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero during the post-game presser.
“Iyon ang pinaka-importante because at the start of the conference we’re down 0-3 right away and most of the people are doubting na baka hindi kami umabot sa playoffs. But at least in the last eight games we’re 7-1. Right now, I think ‘yung character nandiyan na, nabi-build,” added the one-time PBA champion mentor.
Rome dela Rosa contributed 14 points while Paul Lee and Aris Dionisio chipped in 9 and 8 markers, respecively.
