Magnolia finally found its much-needed breakthrough in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, and it came in emphatic fashion behind the impressive debut of new import Clint Chapman.
After opening the conference with four straight losses, the Hotshots entered Saturday’s matchup against Macau searching for answers. What they found was a dominant inside presence in Chapman, who wasted no time proving his worth by delivering a massive 39-point, 15-rebound performance to power Magnolia to a 121-109 victory at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Chapman, who arrived just earlier in the week as a replacement for Nuni Omot, immediately made his presence felt. He scored the first basket of the game and set the tone early, finishing the opening quarter with 11 points. His ability to control the paint, grab rebounds, and provide a steady offensive option gave Magnolia a different look—one that had been missing in their first four outings.
The 6-foot-10 import truly took over in the third quarter, where he poured in 15 points to help Magnolia build a commanding 73-54 lead. At that point, it seemed like the Hotshots were finally on their way to a comfortable win.
However, Macau refused to back down.
Behind a balanced scoring effort, Macau clawed its way back into the game and eventually erased the deficit, even tying the score at 94-all with just over five minutes remaining. The sudden shift in momentum put Magnolia in a familiar position—under pressure late in the game.
This time, though, the Hotshots responded differently.
With Chapman anchoring the defense and leading by example, Magnolia tightened up on both ends of the floor. Key contributions from Mark Barroca, Zav Lucero, and Jerom Lastimosa helped spark a crucial 21-9 run that restored control for the Hotshots, giving them a 113-103 lead heading into the final stretch.
Lucero finished with 19 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks, while Lastimosa added 20 points and six assists. Their all-around efforts complemented Chapman’s dominant outing, highlighting a more balanced and energized Magnolia squad.
Despite the win, Chapman acknowledged that there is still room for improvement, particularly on the defensive end. Having only recently joined the team, he emphasized the need for continued work and better chemistry moving forward.
Still, his impact was undeniable.
For Magnolia, the victory represents more than just their first mark in the win column—it signals a potential turning point in their campaign. With renewed confidence and a reliable anchor in Chapman, the Hotshots may have finally found the right formula to compete in a highly competitive conference.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether Magnolia can build on this momentum—and if Chapman can continue to deliver the kind of performances that could reshape their season.
