Mark Barroca bucked a slow start and picked up his game going on both ends of the court to power Magnolia's hard-earned 99-95 win against a gritty Converge squad Wednesday night in the Philippine Basketball Association On Tour preseason tournament at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.
Held to only two points in the first half, Barroca drilled in 10 in the second half, but more importantly, it was in hustle charts and ball distribution where the veteran guard flourished for the Hotshots, who joined Phoenix Super LPG on top of the standings with a 2-0 win-loss record.
"We're bringing that winning culture here in the preseason," said Barroca. "We came here with the mentality of trying to achieve something and we're using it as a motivation to get us more prepared fr the coming season."
Barroca also dished out seven assists while also picking up four rebounds.
But Barroca also heaped praise on his new backcourt partner, Jed Mendoza, who was able to get a roster spot in the preseason after playing for the old Purefoods franchise in the 3×3 tournament.
Mendoza brought in his youthful energy to the veteran-laden Hotshots as the newest member of the team contributed 14 points on a 5-of-6 shooting from the field.
Offensively, it was Paul Lee, who took over the scoring cudgels, hitting 21 points, including five three-point shots.
His fifth triple of the game put the Hotshots on the driver's seat, 93-92, with still 2:19 left in the match before Barroca and Mendoza put on the finishing touches for the banged up, yet still dangerous Magnolia team, which remained successful despite playing without ailing players Calvin Abueva, Ian Sangalang, Jio Jalalon and Russell Escoto.
Earlier, Blackwater outlasted Terrafirma, 100-94, in the other game.
It was the second win in three games for the Bossing, who drew a solid game from Troy Rosario.
Rosario, the veteran forward, finished with 20 points in what was easily one of his better games since being traded last season to Blackwater.
THE SCORES
FIRST GAME
BLACKWATER 100 – Rosario 20, McCarthy 13, Ilagan 12, Amer 11, Ayonayon 10, Suerte 9, Ular 8, Hill 6, DiGregorio 5, Casio 3, Sena 2, Taha 1, Publico 0
TERRAFIRMA 94 – Tiongson 22, Mina 19, Cahilig 16, Daquioag 12, Go 8, Ramos 5, Alolino 4, Gomez de Liano 3, Alanes 3, Grospe 2, Taladua 0
QUARTERS: 24-23, 53-54, 84-73, 100-94
SECOND GAME
MAGNOLIA 99 – Lee 21, Mendoza 14, Ahanmisi 12, Barroca 12, Tratter 8, Laput 8, Eriobu 8, Murrel 6, Corpuz 6, Dela Rosa 4,
CONVERGE 95 – Racal 22, Balanza 20, Nieto 18, Stockton 7, Arana 6, Ebona 5, Mendoza 5, Ambohot 4, Guinto 0
QUARTERS: 22-14, 45-35, 71-64, 99-95