Hotshots stifle FiberXers in PBA Comm’s Cup

Sports

SLOWLY but surely, the Magnolia Hotshots are moving up in the rankings.

The Hotshots secured their fourth victory by clipping the Converge FiberXers, 106-94, in the 50th PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday night, April 19, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Magnolia tallied a second straight win, putting up a string of wins after starting the tournament with three straight losses. Losing just twice in their last six games, the Hotshots improved to 4-4 (win-loss) to tie the San Miguel Beermen for the seventh and eight spots.

Converge, on the other hand, continued to spiral despite a loaded roster, suffering a sixth defeat in eight games that pulled them down to 11th spot in the 13-team field.

Import Clint Chapman led the Hotshots with 22 points and 14 rebounds while Zavier Lucero posted his own double-double with 17 points and 14 boards.

Rome dela Rosa and Jerom Lastimosa also scored in double figures for Magnolia with 13 and 10, respectively.

Led by the 22-point output of Juan Gomez de Liaño, four locals submitted twin digits for Converge but its import, Kylor Kelley, continued to be a liability on offense after scoring just seven points.

THE SCORES:

MAGNOLIA (106) — Chapman 22, Lucero 17, Dela Rosa 13, Lastimosa 10, Koon 9, Barroca 8, Sangalang 7, Lee 7, Alfaro 6, Andrada 3, Verano 2, Gomez de Liaño 2.

CONVERGE (94) — Gomez de Liaño 22, Stockton 19, Arana 15, Concepcion 14, Garcia 8, Kelley 7, Baltazar 6, Williams 2, Abueva 1, Policarpio 0.QUARTERSCORES: 22-15, 49-39, 74-64, 106-94.(CCM)