QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Magnolia Hotshots booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup after defeating longtime rivals Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 112-93, at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
Magnolia extended its winning run to five games, improving its record to 6-3 and becoming the first team in Group B to secure a playoff berth.
Zavier Lucero led the Hotshots with 21 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals in 35 minutes of action. Jerom Lastimosa also delivered a strong performance, contributing 16 points and seven assists.
Following the victory, Lucero credited the team’s growing confidence and chemistry while emphasizing the importance of staying focused on their remaining assignments.
“I think we’re playing with confidence. We’re playing with rhythm, we’re playing together. But we can’t look past the next game. We have Rain or Shine next, so we’re focused on getting that one, and then we’ll deal with the playoffs when it comes,” Lucero said.
The Hotshots overcame an early six-point surge from the Gin Kings, responding with an 8-0 run to take control of the opening period. Magnolia then capitalized on a decisive 15-2 scoring burst led by Mark Barroca and Lucero to establish a 23-9 advantage.
Magnolia maintained its momentum throughout the contest, eventually building a 28-point lead at 94-66 before closing out the convincing victory.
The defeat dropped Ginebra to a 3-5 record, marking its fifth loss in eight games in the conference.
Import Jordan Murphy finished with 18 points but struggled from the field, making just five of his 18 attempts. RJ Abarrientos added 12 points in 27 minutes, although he accounted for five of the Gin Kings’ 13 turnovers.
With their quarterfinal berth secured, the Hotshots will next face Rain or Shine as they look to sustain their winning momentum heading into the postseason.