Antonio Hester’s all-around performance lifted the Magnolia Timplados Hotshots to a 108-95 swamping of the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters on Friday in the 2023 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The 6’4” Hester banged in 28 points, to go with 10 rebounds, five assists and a block for the Hotshots, who picked up their first win in four matches.
Hester provided a big lift to Jerrick Ahanmisi in the pivotal second period with three rebounds, two assists and a block as the Hotshots grabbed a 58-36 halftime spread.
Ahanmisi scattered four triples in the second canto for a 12-point tally overall, triggering a big 22-6 blast, which allowed Magnolia to move away from 30-24 edge, and into a 22-point advantage at 52-30.
“We changed a lot of our movements, especially our offensive schemes. We could not do it without any post threats, and this guy (Hester), to open up the floor,” said Hotshots coach Chito Victolero.
Andy Barroca added 19 points for the Hotshots, who were ahead by 26 points in the 4:10 mark of the third period off his driving layup following Hester’s rebound, 84-58.
Calvin Abueva shot 18 points and provided 10 board for the Hotshots, who sit in seventh spot.
Jason Perkins top-scored with 20 points for the Fuel Masters, who are now behind at 1-5.
Paul Lee made 14 points, with his trey with 2:23 left in the second period, giving the Hotshots a 58-34 spread.
The Hotshots will aim for a second win as they seek to get past Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in their next game on Sunday.
The Scores:
Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots 108—Hester 28, Barroca 19, Abueva 18, Lee 14, Ahanmisi 12, Dela Rosa 6, Escoto 4, Wong 3, Jalalon 2, Laput 2, Corpuz 0, Reavis 0, Dionisio 0, Mendoza 0
Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters 95—Perkins 20, Muyang 15, Tio 13, Maxwell 11, Jazul 9, Serrano 8, Manganti 6, Alejandro 4, Soyud 3, Adamos 3, Go 3, Lalata 0, Garcia 0, Camacho 0
QUARTERS: 23-21, 58-36, 87-67, 108-95