Zamboanga welcomes Barroca

Game today:

(Zamboanga City Coliseum)

7:30 p.m. — Magnolia vs Phoenix

It has been about six years since Magnolia guard Mark Barroca last played in front of his hometown crowd.

The proud son of Zamboanga City is stoked for his homecoming as the unbeaten Hotshots aim for a fourth straight win against Phoenix in the lone Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup match today at the Zamboanga City Coliseum.

Tipoff is set at 7:30 p.m. with Magnolia putting its 3-0 win-loss record on the line.

Barroca has expressed excitement on his return, hoping he and the Hotshots would replicate their Commissioner’s Cup win over Meralco when they visited the city in 2019.

“We’re very excited, especially Peter (Alfaro) and I. And also, RR (Garcia) from the opposing team,” the 38-year-old veteran said.

“But of course, we don’t want to lose in an out-of-town game. It will be an exhausting trip, so you don’t want to lose after all that,” he added.

Magnolia is coming off a long vacation after putting a blemish on erstwhile undefeated San Miguel Beer in overtime, 98-95, last week before the Holy Week break.

Barroca played the hero’s role in the grinding game, hitting a couple of gritty jumpers in the closing stretch of the extension to complete the Hotshots’ comeback from a 14-point third quarter deficit.

The Far Eastern University product expects his crew, led by Zav Lucero, Calvin Abueva, Paul Lee, Alfaro and rookie Jerom Lastimosa, to deliver another stellar performance, carrying the momentum of their hot win run.

“We’re going to give our best to win,” Barroca said.

“We’re here for business, not to take a vacation. We have a goal to get as many victories as possible,” he added.

On the other hand, the Fuel Masters are also looking for consecutive wins after notching a dominating 109-97 triumph over the defending champions Bolts two weeks ago.

With Jason Perkins back in the helm after missing the team’s first two games because of the flu, Phoenix is now playing with more confidence.

Perkins made an instant impact in his return as Tyler Tio, Ricci Rivero and big man Kai Ballungay provided the backup firepower to overwhelm Meralco.

Head coach Jamike Jarin is confident that the long layoff has given some of his banged-up players time to heal in time for the big out-of-town encounter.

Guard Kent Salado and Ken Tuffin were nursing minor injuries before the break.

“We expect to be in full force again,” Jarin said.

“I’m very confident with our players, our coaches, and our trainers on how they prepare. Long break or short break, I’m very confident with our staff and our players. So, let’s see,” he added.