2025 PBA PHILIPPINE CUP STATS | MAGNOLIA HOTSHOTS
- Syd Salazar
- Jul 2
- 1 min read
The Magnolia Hotshots stormed out of the gates with a six-game winning streak, a welcome surprise for fans who’ve been starving for success since the team last won a title back in the 2018 Governors’ Cup. With that kind of momentum, it felt like the drought could finally be over.
But as both haters and even some jaded fans would say, "this is peak Intro Boys" behavior.
Magnolia starts hot, then fades just when it matters most.
The roster had the right mix to go the distance. Zavier Lucero led the team in both scoring and rebounding, while Mark Barroca—though not as sharp offensively—anchored the defense with team-highs in assists and steals. Ian Sangalang and Paul Lee put up solid double-digit numbers, and rookie Jerom Lastimosa showed he could hang.
The turning point? A split week where they lost to Rain or Shine and bounced back against NorthPort. Around this time, roster adjustments began.
After losing Arvin Tolentino to the KBL’s Seoul Samsung Thunders, Will Navarro was traded to Magnolia in exchange for Calvin Abueva and Jerrick Balanza.
While the move gave the Hotshots a versatile long-term piece, it also meant giving up a proven playoff weapon in Abueva.
And it showed.
Magnolia lost four of their last five games—including a disappointing quarterfinal exit against TNT, where they failed to capitalize on their twice-to-beat edge. Ironic twist? That final loss came against the last team they had beaten in the eliminations.
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