After a slow start, Magnolia is now fast becoming one of the hottest teams in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors' Cup.
The Hotshots coasted their way to their fourth straight victory after an 0-3 start by adding Rain or Shine to their growing list of victims, 112-97, Wednesday at the Philsports Arena.
Banking on their usual solid defensive game, the Hotshots held their rivals to just 34 percent shooting from the field (29-of-85) and then themselves shot a steady 50 percent clip (45-of-89).
Magnolia's defense was felt more by returning Rain or Shine import, Greg Smith, who was back in action after securing his letter of clearance from the Dominican Republic basketball federation.
But the Hotshots welcomed him with an air-tight defense as the reinforcement was held to just 15 points on 3-of-10 shooting from the field.
Magnolia improved its win-loss record to 4-3 while dealing Rain or Shine its fifth loss in five games — in danger of getting eliminated early.
The Scores:
MAGNOLIA 112 – Jalalon 19, Lee 19, Barroca 19, Hester 17, Escoto 10, Dela Rosa 8, Reavis 6, Dionisio 6, Abueva 4, Wong 2, Zaldivar 2, Mendoza 0
RAIN OR SHINE 97 – Smith 15, Santillan 14, Demusis 11, Yap 9, Belga 9, Caracut 9, Ildefonso 8, Asistio 6, Norwood 5, Nambatac 5, Mamuyac 4, Clarito 2, Ponferrada 0
QUARTERS: 33-19, 53-44, 91-77, 112-97