In the first Manila Clasico encounter of the season, Magnolia showed Barangay Ginebra its own version of never-say-die attitude.
Trailing by as much as 26 points in the first half and giving up 60 points, the Hotshots turned the tide in the second half and put up one stop after another in between makings runs to complete a come-from-behind 93-91 win over the league’s most popular team Sunday night in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Import Tyler Bey bucked a slow start and one of those who responded from the call of head coach Chito Victolero, who cracked the whip on his squad at half time.
Bey only had 10 points in the first half, but came alive in the next 24 minutes where he scored 21 in that stretch.
The 25-year-old import also added 10 rebounds while also completing five steals to lead the charge for the Hotshots, who remained undefeated in the tournament.
Following its latest win, the Hotshots remained as the hottest squad in the import-laden conference as it improved its win-loss record to 4-0.
Magnolia hasn’t lost a game since the PBA On Tour preseason tournament where it swept all 11 games.
But Victolero also heaped praise on Rome dela Rosa, one of his best defensive players, who helped shackle Barangay Ginebra import Tony Bishop.
Bishop was scoreless in the third period when Magnolia outscored Ginebra, 29-12, and allowed the Hotshots to cone to within eight, 64-72, entering the final period.
