PBA: Magnolia routs Barangay Ginebra after ‘frustrating loss’

Magnolia’s Zavier Lucero reacts during a game against Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia pulled away in the second half to beat Barangay Ginebra, 88-73, on Sunday night in the latest chapter of Manila Clasico in the PBA Governors’ Cup at Araneta Coliseum.

Following a heartbreaking loss to Rain or Shine on Friday, the Hotshots earned a morale-boosting victory to improve to 2-3 in Group B.

“I have to give credit to my players, they came into this game and it’s hard after a frustrating and disappointing loss last Friday,” said coach LA Tenorio, who played 13 seasons with Ginebra, helping the club win seven championships before being appointed as Magnolia mentor.

Magnolia’s Zav Lucero and coach LA Tenorio after the win over Ginebra. #PBA50 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/5HEXlBwPPc

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) August 2, 2026

“They responded really well to the challenge I gave them. I told them this game would be a defensive game.”

Magnolia led Ginebra by 10 at the intermission, 53-43, before breaking the game open in the third quarter. The Hotshots then extended the advantage to as high as 20 in the final frame.

The Gin Kings pulled within 11, 72-83, after back-to-back baskets by Troy Rosario with still 3:42 to go before the Hotshots held them to without a field goal the rest of the way.

READ: PBA: Zavier Lucero laments lapses in close Magnolia loss

Zav Lucero and KJ Buffen led the way for Magnolia, which moved to a three-way tie with Ginebra and Blackwater in third place in their group.

Lucero registered 24 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field and 10 rebounds, while Buffen also notched a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Ian Sangalang added 16 points and seven rebounds.

Stephen Holt paced the Gin Kings with 17 points and five rebounds as import Riley Grigsby struggled with 15 points, five rebounds and five assists. Grigsby shot just 5-of-19 from the field.