By Peter Atencio
The Magnolia Timplados Hotshots offered no excuses on the absence of key players and slammed the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, 95-77, Friday in Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Andy Barroca came forward and led the Hotshots with 21 points, five rebounds, and six assists, while Aries Dionisio unloaded a career-high 19 points and seven boards.
Their great showings came as the Hotshots endured the absence of Paul Lee, Jerrick Ahanmisi, Rafi Reavis amd Calvin Abueva.
Jio Jalalon added 14 points, and so did Ian Sangalang and Jackson Corpuz, allowing the Hotshots to pick up their third win in six games.
“The next man up steps up. We don’t want to make excuses for the injuries. It happens. Excuses make us weak,” said Hotshots’ coach Chito Victolero.
Lee did not play due to recurring back spasms and a calf injury, while Ahanmisi suffered a sprain in practice last Wednesday.
Reavis is still recovering from a bout with diarrhea, while Abueva is out a one-game suspension for his unsportsmanlike behavior following Magnolia’s 89-84 victory over Barangay Ginebra later last Sunday.
Barroca shot eight points for the Hotshots, who took charge right in the first period with a 24-11 lead.
The 6’2″ Barroca then knocked in five in the second period, with his triple in the last 3:02 of the second quarter allowing the Hotshots to take a 40-19, 21-point spread.
