Magnolia routs Phoenix, zooms to 4-0 start

MANILA, Philippines — Magnolia's veteran stars took charge from the get-go, leading the Hotshots to a lopsided 118-99 demolition of the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup's first road game on Saturday at the Zamboanga City Coliseum.

Ian Sangalang led the Hotshots' attack with 20 points on 9-of-11 shooting, while Zamboanga's proud son Mark Barroca, who turned 39 on Friday, added 18, six rebounds and five assists.

Zavier Lucero had a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds, Paul Lee also had 17, while James Laput provided 10 markers and five boards off the bench for the Hotshots who improved to 4-0.

Magnolia, which led by as many as 28 points, held a massive 28-17 advantage in assists.

The Hotshots' bench also made big damage, 69-45.

Kai Balungay led Phoenix with 25 points and 15 rebounds, while RR Garcia, who also hails from Zamboanga, finished with 22.

Jason Perkins added 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists for Phoenix, which dropped to 1-3.