Magnolia def Rain or Shine, 112-97 [PBA S47 Govs’ Cup | Feb. 22, 2023]

Learning from their mistakes and embracing the mindset of fighting for every possession, the Magnolia Hotshots are now right there in the mix, coming from the pit.

Guards Paul Lee, Jio Jalalon and Mark Barroca scored 19 points apiece, leading a sustained charge as the Hotshots nailed a fourth straight win with a wire-to-wire 112-97 drubbing of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena.

Antonio Hester had his needed presence at the paint, collecting 17 points and 15 rebounds to help Magnolia get past the E-Painters and above the .500 mark in the PBA Governors’ Cup elims at 4-3.

“Stay positive lang kami, we try to handle things positively and make sure to learn from our mistakes,” said coach Chito Victolero on their amazing turnaround from a 0-3 conference start.

“When we feel good, doon nagsisimulang maging complacent at iyon ang lagi naming reminder. The mindset should be to work hard and battle for each possession,” added Victolero.

That’s the constant reminder in this particular game, helping the Hotshots withstand repeated ROS uprisings.

Handling well Greg Smith and his teammates, the Hotshots led from start to finish in snapping Rain or Shine’s two-game streak.