Hotshots trounce Fuel Masters

Magnolia beefed up its chances for a twice-to-beat privilege in the playoffs as it whipped Phoenix, 97-81, in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome on Wednesday night.

Romeo Travis was in his usual deadly self, finishing with a team-high 20 points and 16 rebounds to improve the Hotshots’ card to 5-4 while dealing the Fuel Masters their seventh loss in nine outings.

Ian Sangalang and Paul Lee led the locals’ side with 17 and 15 points, respectively, while newly-acquired Chris Banchero debuted for Magnolia with 10 points.

In the first game, San Miguel snapped its two-game losing skid after escaping with a 99-96 win over also-ran Blackwater squad.

June Mar Fajardo capped the night with 30 points and 13 rebounds as the Beermen improved to a 6-3 card.

Not to be outdone was Terrence Romeo, who finished with 20 points and three assists.