Manila: Magnolia got a dominating performance from import KJ Buffen to end a two-game slump with a 112-98 win over Meralco in the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
According to Philippines News Agency, Buffen scored 22 of his 26 points in the first half and the rest of the Hotshots followed suit in the next to snag their first victory after a 0-2 start. 'I have to give credit to my players. Ang sinasabi ko lang sa kanila (I told them), they just have to believe. They just have to believe na (that) we can battle with these strong teams, tough teams, seasoned teams. Iyon lang ang gusto namin makita (That's what we want to see),' Magnolia coach LA Tenorio said.
'They responded really well, they practiced hard the whole week, we watched the videos together. Naniwala sila and ginawa nila kung ano'ng kailangan namin gawin (They believed and they did what we had to do) for this game.' Buffen also hauled down 12 rebounds and issued five assists.
Zavier Lucero shrugged off a three-point first half to finish with his own double-double of 20-11, Ian Sangalang hit his first six shots from the field to wind up with 16 points, and Mark Barroca produced 14 points. 'If you remember, sinabi ko na (I said) after our first game na (that) we cannot rely on our import alone. The locals need to produce also. I'm not saying by points, you know? The support of the locals, napakalaking bagay na sa (is a huge thing for the) import,' Tenorio said.
The loss stopped Meralco's two-game run and dropped it to 2-2, despite Antonio Hester's game-high 28 points on top of 10 rebounds. CJ Cansino (12), Bong Quinto (11), and Aaron Black (10) contributed, but the Bolts were unable to match the Buffen-led fiery start of the Hotshots.
The scores:
First Game
MAGNOLIA 112 - Buffen 26, Lucero 20, Sangalang 16, Barroca 14, Lastimosa 13, Dela Rosa 9, Lee 6, Jopia 4, Alfaro 4, Andrada 0, Verano 0, Koon 0.
MERALCO 98 - Hester 28, Cansino 12, Quinto 11, Black 10, Newsome 9, Banchero 7, Hodge 6, Maliksi 6, Brickman 5, Mocon 2, Bates 2.
Quarters: 31-20; 60-55; 84-77; 112-98
