Magnolia Hotshots surged in the final quarter to secure an 85-70 victory over Terrafirma Dyip, keeping its Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup resurgence alive on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Hotshots leaned on import Clint Chapman and Zav Lucero to notch back-to-back wins after a 0-3 start, while the Dyip absorbed their second straight defeat following a 3-0 opening.
Chapman delivered a dominant double-double with 28 points and 11 rebounds, alongside three assists, two blocks, and a steal. Lucero added 13 points, eight boards, and three blocks, while Rome Dela Rosa chipped in 11 points and six rebounds. Ian Sangalang and Paul Lee contributed nine and eight points, respectively, as Magnolia held Terrafirma to just 28 points in the second half.
Head coach LA Tenorio credited the team’s defensive effort:
“After the first half, after my talk during the halftime, I really emphasized us playing defense. Actually, we had a slow start offensively but I think defensively, we’re on track but I still emphasized it. Obviously, we can score anytime, but the question is can we get a stop.”
Magnolia’s offense clicked late, with Dela Rosa and Chapman hitting crucial triples to extend the lead to 74-61. Lucero followed with his own three-pointer, and Chapman broke free from Geo Chiu and Ali Mubashar to push the advantage to 81-66, sealing the 15-point rout.
For Terrafirma, Jerrick Ahanmisi led with 21 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Mubashar Ali and Maverick Ahanmisi added 18 and 11 points, respectively.
The win gives Magnolia momentum ahead of its Manila Clasico clash with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Friday.
PBA games continue to air every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live, and the One Sports YouTube channel.