MANILA — Jerom Lastimosa exploded for a career-high 30 points and ignited a decisive fourth-quarter assault as Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots stormed past Phoenix Fuel Masters, 115-101, for their third consecutive victory in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Lastimosa took over when the Hotshots needed him most, personally erasing a four-point deficit with eight unanswered points early in the final period to turn the game in Magnolia’s favor.
Trailing 82-86, Lastimosa went on his scoring binge before Andy Mark Barroca, Kenyon Buffen and Ian Sangalang joined the attack, powering Magnolia to a 100-88 advantage.
Phoenix attempted to mount several rallies, but Lastimosa, Barroca and Zavier Lucero delivered timely baskets down the stretch to keep the Fuel Masters at bay and secure Magnolia’s third straight triumph.
Lastimosa added three assists and two steals to his career-best scoring performance and was named Player of the Game as Magnolia improved to a 4-3 win-loss record.
Buffen actually led the Hotshots in scoring with 35 points while hauling down 10 rebounds. Barroca contributed 21 points, while Sangalang added 10.
Robert Johnson III paced Phoenix with 37 points, while Ricci Rivero chipped in 16.
Kenneth Tuffin and Kai Ballungay scored 12 points apiece, while Gian Mamuyac finished with 10 as the Fuel Masters slipped to 4-3.
Meanwhile, the San Miguel Beermen headed into the break on a dominant note after demolishing the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 143-113.
George King rediscovered his scoring touch with 39 points to power the Beermen to their seventh victory in nine games, keeping them in second place with a 7-2 record.
Celedonio Trollano added 21 points, while Marcio Lassiter contributed 15. John Rodney Brondial posted a double-double of 13 points and 17 rebounds, while Jerrick Ahanmisi chipped in 11.
Tirell Brown Jr. led Titan Ultra with 34 points. Tutan, Fran Yu and John Amores scored 11 points apiece, while Jerrick Balanza added 10 as the Giant Risers dropped to 2-7./PN
