Magnolia Rallies Past Blackwater to Claim 90–75 Win, Improves to 5–2
Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots avoided a major scare and secured a much-needed bounce-back win, defeating the struggling Blackwater Bossing, 90–75, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Hotshots overcame a sluggish first half and a 12-point deficit, turning the game around with a massive 15-0 run in the third quarter that completely shifted momentum. Trailing 36–24, Magnolia tightened its defense and clicked offensively to outscore Blackwater 30–14 in the period and take a 64–55 lead heading into the fourth.
Javi Gomez de Liano, Raffy Verano Spark Magnolia’s Comeback
Javi Gomez de Liano led Magnolia with 17 points, including 10 during that explosive third-quarter surge that fueled the comeback. Ian Sangalang added 16 points and nine rebounds, while Zavier Lucero posted another steady double-double of 13 points and 10 boards.
Off the bench, Raffy Verano delivered a perfect shooting night from deep, scoring 12 points and sparking a decisive 14-1 fourth-quarter run that stretched Magnolia’s lead to its biggest at 84–61. Paul Lee also chipped in with a key four-pointer during the closing rally.
Hotshots Rise to 5–2, Join Four-Way Logjam at Second
The victory helped Magnolia rebound from its heartbreaking 94–92 loss to San Miguel on November 7, and the team now sits at 5–2, creating a four-way tie with San Miguel, NLEX, and Rain or Shine for second place.
Blackwater’s struggles continued as the Bossing absorbed their sixth consecutive loss, falling to 1–6 and slipping further out of playoff contention.
(Video from the YouTube Channel of One Sports)
Sedrick Barefield led Blackwater with 16 points, but was shut down in the second half, scoring only four the rest of the way. Rookie Dalph Panopio added 14 points—10 of them in the fourth—while Richard Escoto contributed 12 points.
What’s Next
- Magnolia will aim to extend its winning run when it faces the Converge FiberXers on Friday, December 5.
- Blackwater looks to regroup and finally halt its skid against the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Saturday, December 6.
The Scores:
Magnolia 90 – Gomez de Liano 17, Sangalang 16, Lucero 13, Verano 12, Lastimosa 10, Barroca 7, Eriobu 5, Lee 4, Dela Rosa 3, Taha 2, Alfaro 1, Koon 0.
Blackwater 75 – Barefield 16, Panopio 14, Escoto 12, Dumont 9, Andrade 6, Tratter 5, David 5, Mendoza 4, Zamar 2, Una 2, Murrell 0, Mallilin 0, Jopia 0.
Quarter Scores: 18-15, 34-41, 64-55, 90-75.
