Magnolia defeated Barangay Ginebra 112-93 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum over the weekend to become the first team in Group B to clinch a quarterfinal berth in the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup.
The win was Magnolia's fifth straight and improved its record to 6-3, assuring the Hotshots of a top-four finish in the six-team group with one game to spare. Ginebra fell to 3-5 and dropped to fifth place, outside the top four behind Blackwater (3-4), according to the PBA.
Season sweep in the Manila Clasico
The game was the second "Manila Clasico" of the conference between the two popular franchises. Magnolia also won the first meeting 88-73 on August 2, a victory that started its current winning streak after a 1-3 start.
Zavier Lucero led the Hotshots with 21 points, nine rebounds and two steals. Jerom Lastimosa added 16 points, Mark Barroca had 15 points and four assists, and import KJ Buffen finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Magnolia shot 50.6% from the field and held Ginebra to 38.2%.
For Ginebra, import Jordan Murphy scored 18 points with seven rebounds and three assists, and RJ Abarrientos added 12 points. The loss came two nights after Ginebra routed Rain or Shine 129-111, a game in which Abarrientos scored 34 points and Murphy had 30 points and 13 rebounds in his debut.
Tenorio credits defense
Magnolia coach LA Tenorio said his team focused on stopping Ginebra's execution.
"When we play against Ginebra, we really have to pay attention to their execution. They're very disciplined," Tenorio said. He added that he had challenged his players by reminding them they were facing "a very disciplined, well-coached team, a champion team."
What's next
Magnolia closes its group-stage schedule against second-placed Rain or Shine (4-3) on October 21. The crossover quarterfinals are set for later this month.
Ginebra, meanwhile, must win its remaining games to stay in contention for a quarterfinal berth.
