Magnolia broke into the win column after beating Meralco, 112-98, in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Import KJ Buffen registered an all-around game of 26 points, 15 rebounds and five assists, spiking it with 4-of-5 shooting from downtown for the Hotshots, who dropped their first two games for the conference.
Zavier Lucero delivered 17 of his 20 points in the second half, along with 11 rebounds.
Ian Sangalang chipped in 16, while veteran guard Mark Barroca added 14, and young playmaker Jerom Lastimosa scored 13.
The Hotshots regained their defensive spunk, forcing the Bolts to 14 miscues en route to an 18-8 turnover points advantage.
Meralco dropped to an even 2-2 card.
Antonio Hester, who played for Magnolia in 2023, led Meralco with 28 points.
CJ Cansino added 12 while Bong Quinto and Aaron Black 11 and 10, respectively.-
