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Tag: Magnolia Hotshots

  • Magnolia finds its groove as Jerom Lastimosa lead the charge against Phoenix 

    Magnolia finds its groove as Jerom Lastimosa lead the charge against Phoenix 

    Magnolia is finally beginning to look like a team that has found its rhythm as the Hotshots put together their game winning streak of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday, turning a tight contest against the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters into a statement 115-101 victory at the Ynares Center.

     

    The difference came in the fourth quarter, when Magnolia answered Phoenix’s push with a devastating 16-0 run that completely flipped the game.

     

    Phoenix had taken an 86-82 lead, but Jerom Lastimosa and KJ Buffen helped ignite Magnolia’s decisive surge, transforming a four-point deficit into a 98-86 advantage. From there, the Hotshots never gave the Fuel Masters a chance to recover.

    Lastimosa was at the center of the turnaround as the Magnolia guard delivered the best offensive performance of his career, scoring 30 points on an outstanding 11-of-14 shooting. Twelve of those points came in the final quarter, allowing the Hotshots to pull away when the game mattered most.

     

    Mark Barroca provided another major boost late, scoring 10 of his 21 points in the fourth.

     

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    Buffen was just as important throughout the night, finishing with 35 points and 10 rebounds, while Phoenix struggled once again to maintain its offensive production down the stretch.

     

    It was a familiar problem for the Fuel Masters. In their previous outing against Blackwater, Phoenix managed only 14 points in the final quarter. Against Magnolia, the same fourth-quarter struggles resurfaced at the worst possible time.

     

    BJ Johnson carried much of the Phoenix offense with 37 points, while Ricci Rivero added 16. Kenneth Tuffin and Kai Ballungay contributed 12 points each, with Gian Mamuyac finishing with 10.

     

    For Magnolia coach LA Tenorio, however, the biggest takeaway was not simply the scoring. It was how his players reacted after Phoenix mounted its challenge in the third quarter.

     

    “The guys responded after the third quarter. Usually, kapag nagkaka-run ang kalaban namin, we got deflated at natataranta. Today, they stayed positive,” offered head coach Tenorio said.

     

    That resilience became the foundation of Magnolia’s fourth-quarter explosion.

     

    Tenorio also singled out Lastimosa, praising the guard’s willingness to absorb coaching and immediately translate instructions into action.

     

    “What I like about Jerom is that he’s a listener, he’s a good student of the game. Ginagawa niya talaga yung mga sinasabi naming coaching staff, lalong-lalo na ako,” he said.

     

    Lastimosa’s breakout performance could prove particularly valuable for a Magnolia squad that is beginning to build momentum. With Buffen providing the heavy scoring load and Barroca delivering his veteran presence, the Hotshots suddenly have another reliable weapon capable of changing the game.

     

    The victory also carries added significance in the Group B standings as Magnolia improved to 4-3. 

     

    Phoenix, also now 4-3, slipped to solo second after previously sharing the lead with Rain or Shine.

     

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  • Magnolia seeks revenge as surging Hotshots meet Phoenix again 

    Magnolia seeks revenge as surging Hotshots meet Phoenix again 

    Magnolia has already learned what Phoenix can do.

     

    Now the Hotshots get a chance to show how much they have changed since that first meeting.

     

    The two Group B contenders collide again at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, with Magnolia looking to erase the memory of its 86-98 defeat to the Fuel Masters in the conference opener.


    Phoenix entered the rematch in a different position.

     

    The Fuel Masters remain tied with Rain or Shine at the top of Group B at 4-2, but they have stumbled in two of their last three games, falling to the Elasto Painters, 98-105, before suffering a 100-106 loss to Blackwater.

     

    Magnolia, meanwhile, has gone in the opposite direction.

     

    After losing three of its first four games, including the opening-day setback against Phoenix, the Hotshots have finally found their rhythm. They enter Wednesday’s contest riding consecutive statement victories over Barangay Ginebra, 88-73, and Meralco, 105-88.

     

    Those wins have pulled Magnolia back into the playoff picture at 3-3, tied with Blackwater for third place and just half a game ahead of Ginebra.

     

    For coach LA Tenorio, the recent turnaround has been about treating every game like a playoff game.

     

    “The past three games, we’ve been really in a playoff mentality already. I challenged the players, my team, that this kind of games, ito ang magbibigay sa amin ng chance going to the next level,” Tenorio said after the victory over Meralco.

     

    The urgency is understandable.

     

    “Two more losses could have sent us packing,” he admitted.

     

    Magnolia’s response has been encouraging for Tenorio, particularly the way his players have embraced the system.

     

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    “What I really like about my team is how they responded to that challenge. They really responded well, not only in the games, but in practice… They’re really locked in, they’re buying in the system na gusto kong iparating sa team.”

     

    That buy-in will be tested against the same Phoenix team that exposed Magnolia’s weaknesses in their first encounter.

     

    The Fuel Masters took the opener behind a sensational debut from import BJ Johnson, who exploded for 34 points and 10 rebounds. Phoenix recovered from a slow start before Johnson and Jason Perkins ignited a 7-1 fourth-quarter run that turned a 79-71 advantage into a more comfortable lead.

     

    This time, Magnolia knows exactly what it is facing.

     

    The Hotshots will have to find a way to slow Johnson while preventing Perkins from providing the same complementary production that helped Phoenix seize control late in the first meeting.

    But Phoenix also has questions of its own.

     

    After starting 4-0, the Fuel Masters have lost two of their last three games, giving Magnolia a chance to capitalize on the slight dip in momentum and climb further up the Group B standings.

    For Phoenix, Wednesday is an opportunity to prove its opening victory over Magnolia was more than just a strong start.

     

    For Magnolia, it is a chance to show that the team that walked off the court that night is no longer the same one taking the floor now.

     

    The first meeting belonged to Phoenix.

     

    This time, Magnolia wants the last word.

     

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  • Magnolia’s Ian Sangalang credits defense for his consistent offensive production

    Magnolia’s Ian Sangalang credits defense for his consistent offensive production

    The Magnolia Hotshots are slowly finding their footing in the ongoing 2026 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup, and veteran forward Ian Sangalang has emerged as one of the key figures behind the team’s recent turnaround.

     

    Magnolia has endured a mixed start to the conference, splitting its first six games to sit at 3-3 and fourth in the Group B standings. While the Hotshots have yet to establish the consistency they would want this early in the tournament, their recent results have provided plenty of encouragement heading into the crucial stretch of the eliminations.

     

    The Hotshots returned to the winning column in emphatic fashion on Friday, August 7, overwhelming the Meralco Bolts, 105-88, at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

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    The victory marked Magnolia’s third win in its last four games after opening the Governors’ Cup with consecutive defeats. More importantly, it highlighted the growing confidence within the team as the Hotshots continue to build momentum and look to position themselves favorably in the group standings.

     

    At the center of that resurgence has been Sangalang, whose steady production has provided Magnolia with a reliable offensive option throughout the conference.

     

    The 34-year-old forward has scored at least 10 points in each of Magnolia’s six games so far, while shooting an impressive 80.9 percent from the field. He is averaging 14.2 points per game, numbers that underline just how efficient he has been whenever he steps onto the court.

     

    Yet for Sangalang, his recent offensive consistency is not something he consciously focuses on.

    Instead, he believes everything begins on the defensive end.

     

    “I don’t think my plays lately are special. I really just started on defense. That’s where I get my momentum. Every time that coach puts me in, I give it all on defense so I can stay in the game longer,” Sangalang said during a press conference.

    The veteran big man’s approach has been simple but effective. Rather than attempting to force his offense from the opening tip, Sangalang puts his emphasis on making an impact defensively. By doing so, he is able to establish his rhythm, remain engaged and eventually allow his offensive game to develop naturally.

     

    For a player who has spent years competing at the highest level of Philippine basketball, that mindset has become an important part of his approach.

     

    “The offense will come naturally. I don’t think about that anymore. For me, I just start on defense,” he added.

     

    That philosophy was once again evident during Magnolia’s convincing victory over Meralco. With the Hotshots controlling the game and maintaining a comfortable advantage, Sangalang continued to provide the kind of efficient contribution that has become increasingly important to the team.

     

    His ability to score efficiently without needing to dominate possessions gives Magnolia another dimension on offense. More importantly, his willingness to prioritize defense allows him to remain involved in games even on nights when his offensive opportunities are limited.

     

    Sangalang’s consistency has also come at an important time for the Hotshots. After dropping their opening two games of the Governors’ Cup, Magnolia needed to stabilize its campaign before the early losses created too much ground to make up.

     

    The team has responded well, winning three of its next four games and showing signs of becoming more settled on both ends of the floor.

     

    While there is still plenty of basketball to be played, the Hotshots appear to be moving in the right direction. Their latest victory over Meralco not only improved their record to 3-3 but also gave the team another boost as it continues its push up the Group B standings.

     

    Sangalang, meanwhile, will be expected to remain an important piece of Magnolia’s campaign.

    His experience, efficiency and defensive-first mentality provide the Hotshots with a dependable presence in the frontcourt, particularly as the competition intensifies and every game becomes increasingly important.

     

    The Hotshots will have an opportunity to extend their recent run when they return to action on Wednesday, August 12, against the Phoenix Fuel Masters at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    With Magnolia now having won three of its last four games, the challenge will be to maintain that momentum. And if Sangalang’s defense-first approach continues to translate into efficient offense, the veteran forward could play a major role in helping the Hotshots turn their uneven start into a strong Governors’ Cup campaign.

     

     

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  • Riley Grisby praises Manila Clasico atmosphere despite Barangay Ginebra’s loss to Magnolia

    Riley Grisby praises Manila Clasico atmosphere despite Barangay Ginebra’s loss to Magnolia

     

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s latest reinforcement Riley Grisby may have endured a difficult debut in the storied Manila Clasico, but the American import walked away from the experience with a deep appreciation for one of Philippine basketball’s fiercest rivalries.

     

    Ginebra suffered a disappointing 88-73 defeat to longtime rivals Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, August 2. The loss spoiled Grisby’s first taste of the iconic matchup, but the 26-year-old admitted that the electric atmosphere inside the Big Dome made the contest one he will not soon forget.

     

    Widely regarded as the premier rivalry in the Philippine Basketball Association, the Manila Clasico once again lived up to its reputation as thousands of passionate fans packed the venue, creating a playoff-like environment despite it being an elimination-round game.

     

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    Grisby, who is serving as Barangay Ginebra’s temporary import while resident star Justin Brownlee continues to recover from injury, said the energy generated by both fan bases was unlike anything he has experienced in recent years.

     

    “I have heard about what this game means to fans. You feel the energy. I definitely feel the energy from the fans,” Grisby said after the game.

     

    “I see why it’s called a classic. It’s up there. Number one experience, probably. You can tell these fans love basketball or Ginebra. Whichever team they support, they bring the energy and you can tell. It’s been a while since I played these kinds of games with these types of energy, so it was fun.”

    While the atmosphere left a lasting impression, Grisby acknowledged that his individual performance fell well below his own expectations. Magnolia’s disciplined defensive scheme limited the athletic forward throughout the contest as he finished with just 15 points on an inefficient 5-of-19 shooting from the field. He also contributed five rebounds and five assists but struggled to consistently create quality scoring opportunities.

     

    Rather than attributing his performance to the pressure of playing in such a high-profile game, Grisby credited Magnolia’s defensive execution, noting that the Hotshots made a concerted effort to crowd the paint and force him into difficult attempts.

     

    “They had a good game plan, packing the paint on me and collapsing,” he explained. “I just have to do a better job of being more physical and getting to my spots.”

     

    Magnolia’s defensive intensity disrupted Ginebra’s offensive rhythm for most of the evening, forcing the Gin Kings into contested shots while limiting easy opportunities around the basket. The Hotshots capitalized on those defensive stops to control the tempo and gradually pull away, handing Ginebra one of its toughest defeats of the conference.

     

    Despite the setback, Grisby’s résumé suggests he has the tools to make a stronger impact moving forward. Before arriving in the PBA, the versatile forward gained valuable professional experience in the NBA G League, where he competed against several elite prospects and fringe NBA players. He also showcased his abilities in the Luxembourg Basketball League, experiences that helped develop his all-around game on both ends of the floor.

     

    Now tasked with filling the sizable void left by Brownlee, Grisby understands the expectations that come with wearing a Ginebra jersey. Brownlee has long been one of the PBA’s most accomplished imports, and stepping into his role brings significant pressure. Even so, Grisby remains focused on quickly adapting to the league’s physical style of play and building chemistry with his new teammates.

     

    The Gin Kings will be eager to bounce back when they return to action against the Blackwater Bossing at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Sunday, August 9. For Grisby, the matchup presents an opportunity not only to deliver a stronger individual performance but also to help Ginebra regain momentum as it continues its Governors’ Cup campaign.

     

    Although his first Manila Clasico ended in disappointment on the scoreboard, Grisby left convinced that the rivalry deserves its reputation, describing the intensity, passion, and atmosphere as among the finest experiences of his professional career.

     

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  • Zavier Lucero anchors Magnolia’s defensive game as Hotshots silence Ginebra 

    Zavier Lucero anchors Magnolia’s defensive game as Hotshots silence Ginebra 

    Magnolia proved that defense remains its strongest identity after shutting down Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 88-73, in their Manila Clasico clash in the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.


    The Hotshots dictated the game from the opening half, with Zavier Lucero setting the tone on both ends of the floor. 

     

    Lucero erupted for 22 points before halftime, giving Magnolia early control before finishing with a dominant stat line of 24 points, 10 rebounds, two steals, and two assists.

     

    “I felt like I kind of let the team down in our last game. I just tried to come out and be an example to my teammates on how we needed to come out and set the tone – not necessarily on offense but also on defense,” Lucero said. 

     

    His performance not only fueled Magnolia offensively but also became the centerpiece of a defensive effort that frustrated the Gin Kings throughout the night.

     

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    “I take pride in my defense, as it’s our team’s best chance at winning,” he said.

     

    While Lucero delivered the early knockout punch, import KJ Buffen provided steady production of his own, finishing with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and two steals to help Magnolia improve to 2-3 in the conference.

     

    The Hotshots’ defensive discipline made life miserable for Ginebra’s offense, particularly import Riley Grigsby.

     

    After entering the game as one of the conference’s reliable scorers, Grigsby was held to his lowest output of the tournament with just 15 points on an inefficient 5-of-19 shooting.

     

    Stephen Holt paced Barangay Ginebra with 17 points and five rebounds, but the Gin Kings struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm. 

     

    Guard RJ Abarrientos also endured a difficult outing, finishing with only six points on 2-of-9 shooting.

     

    Despite the added attention that comes with every Manila Clasico meeting, Lucero insisted his preparation never changes regardless of the opponent.

     

    “There’s a lot of draw from the crowd just because it’s Ginebra, so it’s more fun and there are more people, and that’s all great. But I try not to switch my mentality to any game,” he said.

     

    The victory allowed Magnolia to move into a tie for fourth place in Group A alongside Barangay Ginebra, with both teams now holding identical 2-3 records after five games.

     

    Magnolia will look to build on its momentum when it faces the Meralco Bolts on Friday, August 7, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Ginebra, meanwhile, hopes to bounce back when it takes on the Blackwater Bossing on Sunday, August 9, at the same venue.

     

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  • Governors’ Cup imports face defining stretch as Magnolia, Ginebra chase much-needed momentum 

    Governors’ Cup imports face defining stretch as Magnolia, Ginebra chase much-needed momentum 

    The spotlight may fall on the imports Friday night, but for Magnolia and Barangay Ginebra, winning will depend on far more than foreign firepower.

     

    As the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup heads to the SM Mall of Asia Arena, two of the league’s most popular franchises enter pivotal matchups searching for consistency after uneven starts to the conference.

     

    Magnolia opens the twin bill against Rain or Shine, while Barangay Ginebra renews its rivalry with Meralco in the featured showdown.

     

    For the Hotshots, head coach LA Tenorio believes import KJ Buffen doesn’t have to carry the burden alone.

     

    Magnolia finally snapped its 0-2 start by defeating Meralco, 112-98, behind another productive outing from Buffen, who finished with 26 points. But what pleased Tenorio even more was how the locals took over in the second half, allowing Buffen to focus on rebounding, defense, and making winning plays.

     

    That balanced attack is exactly what Tenorio wants moving forward.

     

    Having spent more than a decade alongside Justin Brownlee during Ginebra’s dynasty, Tenorio knows even the league’s greatest imports relied heavily on their teammates.

     

    “As good as Justin Brownlee is… I’ve been with him for so many years, the support of the locals talaga ang naging success nu’ng run namin na iyon. He’s really good, but I was telling them Justin is good because of the support of the locals also,” narrated Tenorio.

     

    Rather than expecting Buffen to replicate Brownlee’s accomplishments, the Magnolia mentor has been impressed by the import’s willingness to grow with the team.

     

    “Ang maganda rin kasi sa kanya he’s learning also and at the same time na buong team natututo dahil sa mga bata kong mga players,” the coach said.

     

    “But he’s been really working hard with the team, he listens to the locals. I think ‘yun ‘yung importante, very good attitude towards the game and he accepts ‘yung mga mistakes. So I think ‘yun ‘yung importante and for me that’s what we need in this team.

     

    “He’s not a leader per se, but by doing that parang ni-li-lead niya rin ‘yung team namin, eh.”

     

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    Rain or Shine, meanwhile, arrives with momentum after consecutive victories over Phoenix Super LPG and Barangay Ginebra.

     

    The Elasto Painters have rebounded from an 0-2 start, and head coach Yeng Guiao credits the team’s renewed commitment on the defensive end.

     

    “I think it’s a wakeup call. After that we’ve been playing better defense saka better rebounding,” Guiao pointed out.

     

    “Hindi ako worried about our offense, eh. I think we’ve scored more than 100 points every game. So it’s really just playing good defense, rebounding. When we get our rebounds, we’re able to run.

    “So itong mga bata, nag-focus lang sila doon sa mga bagay na dapat naming gawin kaya siguro nakabawi kami.”

     

    The second game presents another interesting contrast.

     

    Ginebra remains without injured resident import Justin Brownlee, leaving Riley Grigsby to continue filling one of the biggest shoes in the league.

     

    Grigsby has delivered respectable numbers since arriving, but the Gin Kings have struggled to find the rhythm that made them Commissioner’s Cup champions earlier this season. They have alternated between wins and losses through their first three games while also missing Scottie Thompson.

     

    Across the floor will be a Meralco side equally desperate to establish consistency.

     

    The Bolts have split their first four games despite solid performances from import Antonio Hester, making Friday’s rivalry clash another critical opportunity to gain ground in Group B.

     

    With Phoenix sitting atop the standings at 4-1 and the race for the coveted Top Four tightening by the week, every victory now carries added significance.

     

    For Magnolia and Ginebra, Friday is more than another stop on the schedule.

     

    It is a chance to prove that success in the Governors’ Cup isn’t determined by imports alone—but by how well the entire roster rises around them.

     

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  • Blackwater eyes 2-0 start as Magnolia searches for first win in Governors’ Cup 

    Blackwater eyes 2-0 start as Magnolia searches for first win in Governors’ Cup 

    Momentum is on Blackwater’s side. Urgency belongs to Magnolia.

     

    Those contrasting storylines collide Friday night when the Bossing and the Hotshots square off in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with Blackwater chasing a rare 2-0 start and Magnolia trying to avoid falling into an early hole in Group B.

     

    Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.

     

    Blackwater couldn’t have asked for a better conference opener.

     

    The Bossing dismantled Rain or Shine, 131-108, not only avenging the franchise’s humiliating 56-point defeat to the Elasto Painters last March but also sending a message that this year’s squad may be built differently.

     

    Rather than dwelling on revenge, however, head coach Pat Aquino wants his team focused on sustaining the level of basketball it displayed from opening tip to final buzzer.

     

    “I know it’s at the back of our minds but that’s the past already,” Aquino said after the victory.

    “We were aggressive from start to finish. Hopefully, this good start will continue.”

     

    The performance was fueled by an explosive PBA debut from import Kentrell Barkley, who nearly recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists.

     

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    His all-around brilliance opened opportunities for the Bossing’s local core, with Sedrick Barefield pouring in 24 points, RK Ilagan adding 22, and Dalph Panopio contributing 19 in one of Blackwater’s most complete offensive performances in recent years.

     

    Barkley wasted little time making his presence felt, exploding for 18 points in the opening quarter while knocking down all four of his attempts from beyond the arc to help the Bossing race to a double-digit lead they never surrendered.

     

    Magnolia, meanwhile, enters the matchup looking for a quick response after letting a golden opportunity slip away in its conference opener.

     

    The Hotshots squandered a 16-point advantage before absorbing a 98-86 defeat to Phoenix Super LPG, with BJ Johnson taking over late to finish with 34 points and 10 rebounds.

     

    Now, Magnolia hopes import KJ Buffen can provide the spark needed to even its record.

     

    The former Indonesian Basketball League MVP faces the difficult task of slowing down Barkley while helping the Hotshots rediscover the consistency that disappeared in the second half of their opener.

     

    With Blackwater aiming to prove its dominant debut was no fluke and Magnolia desperate to avoid an 0-2 start, Friday’s clash offers an early measuring stick for two teams entering the Governors’ Cup with very different momentum—but equally important goals.

     

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  • LA Tenorio wants Magnolia to break a familiar cycle after opening-day loss in Governors’ Cup 

    LA Tenorio wants Magnolia to break a familiar cycle after opening-day loss in Governors’ Cup 

    For LA Tenorio, Magnolia’s opening-game defeat in the PBA Governors’ Cup was about more than just the final score. It was a reminder of a problem the Hotshots have yet to solve.


    Magnolia stumbled to a 98-86 loss against the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Saturday night, wasting a promising first-half performance before fading after the break in its debut in the season-ending conference.

     

    The setback immediately brought back memories of the team’s previous campaign, where Magnolia often found itself digging out of early deficits. Tenorio believed those experiences should have already shaped the team’s mindset entering a new tournament.

     

    “Of course, it’s only the first game. But we have to learn from the last conference na lagi kaming naghahabol,” Tenorio said.

     

    Instead, the Hotshots followed a familiar script. After taking a halftime lead, Magnolia lost control in the third quarter as Phoenix seized the momentum and never looked back, forcing the Hotshots into another unsuccessful comeback attempt.

     

    Tenorio was visibly disappointed with how his team approached the second half, believing Magnolia lost its edge once the game tightened.

     

    “Nung simula na ng laro, champion na kami. Pag sa simula lang ng laro kami magaling,” Tenorio said after the game.

     

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    The coach also refused to pin the defeat on the early foul trouble of import KJ Buffen, who finished with 15 points. 

     

    While Buffen’s limited availability affected Magnolia’s rotation, Tenorio insisted the team should have responded better instead of becoming too dependent on its reinforcement.

     

    “We can’t rely on our import all the time. If we need to play all-Filipino, then so be it. We fell into the trap na kanya-kanya,” said the Magnolia coach. 

     

    For Tenorio, the bigger concern was how Magnolia’s collective effort disappeared after halftime. He pointed to the team’s lack of energy and urgency, particularly at the start of the third quarter, when Phoenix wrestled control of the game.

     

    “We were outhustled at the start of the third quarter,” Tenorio said. “I don’t know if we were affected by the foul trouble of our import, but it’s not an excuse.”

     

    The opening loss puts added importance on Magnolia’s next assignment as the Hotshots try to avoid falling further behind in a competitive Group B that also features Barangay Ginebra, Meralco, and Rain or Shine.

     

    Magnolia will look to regroup on Friday when it faces Blackwater at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The Bossing head into the matchup with momentum after pulling off a 131-108 upset victory over Rain or Shine, giving the Hotshots another early challenge as they search for their first win of the conference.

     

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  • PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup imports: Veterans, newcomers set to headline title chase 

    PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup imports: Veterans, newcomers set to headline title chase 

    The countdown to the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup has entered its final stretch, and with every team now unveiling its reinforcement, the race for the season-ending championship is beginning to take shape.

     

    When the conference opens on July 10 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, all 13 participating teams—including guest club Macau Giant Pandas—will parade imports who comply with the league’s 6-foot-6 height limit. The field features a familiar blend of proven PBA stars, former NBA players, and first-time reinforcements looking to make an immediate impact.

     

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel


    Leading the returning cast is Justin Brownlee, whose résumé in the league remains unmatched among active imports. The four-time PBA Best Import returns after steering the Gin Kings to the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup championship, where they outlasted TNT Tropang 5G in a grueling seven-game Finals series. Brownlee also powered Ginebra to its most recent Governors’ Cup title in 2022, earning his second Best Import award during that campaign.

     

    TNT Tropang 5G

     

    Defending Governors’ Cup champion TNT enters the tournament with a different reinforcement as Rondae Hollis-Jefferson continues his recovery. The Tropang 5G have turned to former NBA forward Darius Days, who was originally slated to play for TNT in the 2024 Governors’ Cup before Hollis-Jefferson decided to return. Since then, Days has helped the Illawarra Hawks capture a National Basketball League championship in Australia.

     

    Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

     

    Rain or Shine is banking on continuity by bringing back Aaron Fuller, who guided the Elasto Painters to the semifinals of last season’s Governors’ Cup before eventually bowing to TNT. Fuller returns after his latest stint in Mexico.

     

    NLEX Road Warriors

     

    NLEX will also keep a familiar face in DeQuan Jones, who rejoins the Road Warriors under new head coach Jimmy Alapag. The former Orlando Magic forward first suited up for NLEX midway through last season as Myke Henry’s replacement and now returns to a squad that topped the elimination round of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup before its playoff run ended in the quarterfinals against TNT.

     

    Converge FiberXers

     

    Converge welcomes back one of the league’s most explosive scorers in Jalen Hudson. Returning to the PBA for the first time in three years, Hudson previously played for TNT in the 2023 Governors’ Cup, highlighted by a spectacular 56-point, 12-rebound, four-assist performance against his current team.

     

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    Magnolia Hotshots

     

    Magnolia has signed American forward KJ Buffen, who played collegiate basketball at the University of Alabama at Birmingham before building a professional career in Finland, New Zealand, and most recently Indonesia with RANS PIK.

     

    Blackwater Bossing

     

    Blackwater reinforced its roster with Kentrell Barkley, an accomplished import who arrives after winning the Most Valuable Player award in both the Indonesian Basketball League and the Vietnam Basketball Association. Barkley has also captured championships in Vietnam and Taiwan and now joins the Bossing under interim coach Pat Aquino.

     

    Meralco Bolts

     

    Meralco will finally get a full conference with Jordon Varnado, who is already familiar with the Bolts after helping the team reach the quarterfinals of the 2025 Basketball Champions League Asia.

     

    San Miguel Beermen

     

    San Miguel acquired George King after his release from Blackwater, bringing back one of the most prolific scorers to have played in the PBA. During last season’s Governors’ Cup, King erupted for a career-high 64 points for the Bossing before continuing his overseas career with stops in Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Taiwan, and Germany.

     

    Terrafirma Dyip

     

    Terrafirma introduces Justin Strings, a Sacramento State product who has played professionally in Canada, Germany, Argentina, and Uruguay.

     

    Phoenix Fuel Masters

     

    Phoenix turns to former NBA swingman BJ Johnson, who previously suited up for the Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings, and Atlanta Hawks before most recently playing for Lokomotiv Kuban in Russia’s VTB United League.

     

    Titan Ultra Giant Risers

     

    Expansion club Titan Ultra Giant Risers has entrusted its campaign to Tirrell Brown, whose professional career has taken him across Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Uruguay.

     

    Macau Giant Pandas

     

    Guest team Macau Giant Pandas, formerly known as the Black Knights, will be reinforced by De’Vondre Perry. The Temple University product heads to the PBA after competing in Belgium, the Dominican Republic, and Germany, where he last played for SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt.

     

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  • Arvin Tolentino to honor SK Knights deal, delays Magnolia debut until after KBL season

    Arvin Tolentino to honor SK Knights deal, delays Magnolia debut until after KBL season

    Magnolia has secured the PBA rights to Arvin Tolentino, but the Hotshots will have to be patient before seeing him in their uniform.


    The 30-year-old forward confirmed that he will remain with the Seoul SK Knights for the upcoming 2026-27 Korean Basketball League season as he honors the final year of his contract in South Korea.

     

    “Yes, stay pa ako. Two years pa ako dito,” Tolentino said.

     

    Tolentino’s statement effectively puts to rest speculation that he could make an immediate return to the PBA following Magnolia’s recent acquisition of his playing rights.

     

    The Hotshots obtained Tolentino’s rights along with a Season 51 second-round draft pick in a trade with Titan Ultra. In exchange, Magnolia sent the rights to William Navarro and a Season 52 second-round selection.

     

    Although Magnolia has positioned itself to eventually welcome one of the league’s premier forwards, Tolentino’s focus remains on finishing what he started overseas.

     

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    His contract with Seoul SK includes a player option for its third and final year, allowing him to either stay with the Knights or enter free agency. Unless circumstances change before the PBA Governors’ Cup opens on July 10, Tolentino is expected to exercise that option and continue playing in the KBL.

     

    The decision comes after a bittersweet first season in Korea. Tolentino averaged 11.0 points and 2.0 rebounds for the Knights, helping the team reach the playoffs before its campaign ended in a quarterfinal sweep at the hands of Kevin Quiambao and the Goyang Sono Skygunners.

     

    The former NorthPort star left the PBA after winning the Best Player of the Conference award in the Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup. He last suited up for the Batang Pier during the 2024-25 season before pursuing an opportunity in the KBL.

     

    Tolentino recently returned to the Philippines for a vacation following the Korean season and was among those in attendance during Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals between Barangay Ginebra and TNT, where he watched alongside his wife, Brandy Kramer Tolentino.

    While his PBA comeback will have to wait, Tolentino acknowledged that he has already been informed of Magnolia’s move to acquire his rights.

     

    “Nasabihan din naman nila ako tungkol diyan (trade),” he said.

     

    The trade also saw Titan Ultra acquire the rights to William Navarro, who previously had a brief stint with Magnolia before continuing his career with KBL champion Busan KGC Egis.

     

    Ironically, Navarro originally arrived in Magnolia through a deal with NorthPort involving Calvin Abueva, Jerrick Balanza, and the same second-round draft pick that has now found its way back to the Hotshots.

     

    For now, Magnolia has secured a valuable piece for the future. But before Tolentino can begin his next chapter in the PBA, he remains committed to completing his final season with the Seoul SK Knights.

     

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