Magnolia Dominates Barangay Ginebra 88-73 in Manila Clasico After Tough Defeat

Magnolia decisively defeated Barangay Ginebra 88-73 on Sunday night in the latest Manila Clasico matchup of the PBA Governors’ Cup held at Araneta Coliseum. The Hotshots bounced back from a narrow loss to Rain or Shine on Friday, improving their Group B record to 2-3 with this morale-boosting victory.

Coach LA Tenorio, who spent 13 seasons with Ginebra and helped the team win seven championships before taking over Magnolia, praised his players for their response after the previous disappointing defeat. He emphasized that he challenged the team to focus on defense, which became the key to their success in this game.

Magnolia led by 10 points at halftime, 53-43, and then pulled away in the third quarter to establish control. The Hotshots extended their lead to as much as 20 points in the final period. Although Ginebra briefly narrowed the gap to 11 points with back-to-back baskets from Troy Rosario with 3:42 remaining, Magnolia held Ginebra scoreless for the rest of the game.

Zavier Lucero and KJ Buffen were instrumental in Magnolia’s win, both recording double-doubles. Lucero scored 24 points on efficient 10-of-16 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Buffen contributed 23 points and 11 rebounds. Ian Sangalang also supported the effort with 16 points and seven rebounds.

For Barangay Ginebra, Stephen Holt led the scoring with 17 points and five rebounds. Import Riley Grigsby struggled offensively, managing 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists but shooting only 5-of-19 from the field.

This victory moved Magnolia into a three-way tie for third place in Group B alongside Ginebra and Blackwater. The win was especially significant for Magnolia as it helped restore confidence after their narrow loss to Rain or Shine just days earlier.

Coach Tenorio’s emphasis on defense and the team’s ability to execute that game plan proved decisive in overcoming a popular and competitive Ginebra squad. The Hotshots’ performance demonstrated resilience and a capacity to rebound quickly from setbacks, which will be crucial as the Governors’ Cup progresses.