PBA: Magnolia tightens defense in 2nd half for back-to-back wins

Magnolia Hotshots guard Mark Barroca.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Magnolia showed its teeth on defense in the second half to stifle Phoenix on Sunday, 107-93, in the PBA Philippine Cup.

The Hotshots held the FuelMasters to just 36 points in the final two quarters to claim their third victory after five games in the centerpiece tournament.

Mark Barroca matched his career-best with 27 points, while Ian Sangalang chipped in 23 more in the effort at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila, that also gave the club its first streak in the race.

WATCH: Magnolia’s Mark Barroca and coach Chito Victolero after the victory. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/bdUYHFpGOB

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SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup

“I thought they’re going to reach a hundred (points), so all credit goes to the players for their effort in the second half,” said coach Chito Victolero, who was seen fuming at the halftime break after his charges allowed 39 points in the second period alone.

Jio Jalalon added 13 points while Joseph Eriobu chipped in 11 more for Magnolia which is just entering the latter stretch of its elimination round campaign.

READ: PBA: Jerrick Balanza shipped to Magnolia

Phoenix got the goods from skipper RJ Jazul, who wound up with 21 points. Rookie Kenneth Tuffin added 17, Jason Perkins 16, and Javee Mocon 11 unable to fill the gaps left by the team’s growing absences dealt by injuries.

Tyler Tio and RR Garcia continued to miss games for the Fuel Masters with Sean Manganti the latest to be sidelined after hurting his right ankle last Friday.

Phoenix thus dropped to a 2-5 mark with NLEX next on its elimination round schedule.

The Scores:

MAGNOLIA 107 – Barroca 27, Sangalang 23, Jalalon 13, Eriobu 11, Tratter 8, Dionisio 7, Lee 7, Abueva 6, Balanza 2, Mendoza 2, Reavis 1, Escoto 0, Laput 0

PHOENIX 93 – Jazul 21, Tuffin 17, Perkins 16, Mocon 11, Salado 8, Verano 8, Alejandro 6, Rivero 6, Muyang 0, Camacho 0, Daves 0, Lalata 0

Quarterscores: 28-18, 47-57, 79-77, 107-93