Hotshots thump Gin Kings in 'Clasico' clash

MANILA, Philippines -- This conference’s first Manila Clasico went the way of the Magnolia Hotshots. 

Magnolia waxed hot and held on against Barangay Ginebra, 88-73, in their PBA Governors’ Cup clash Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. 

The Hotshots built their separation in the middle quarters before taking a 20-point lead in the fourth to keep the Gin Kings at bay. 

Zav Lucero recorded a double-double of 24 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block, while KJ Buffen tallied 23 markers, 11 boards, two dimes and two steals. 

Ian Sangalang chipped in 16 markers and seven boards off the bench. 

Magnolia trailed by two, 34-36, in the second quarter after a 3-pointer by Stephen Holt. 

A 14-2 run, capped by a 4-pointer by Peter Alfaro, gave the Hotshots a 48-38 lead with 2:18 left in the first half, and it set the tone the rest of the way. 

The lead grew to as much as 20 points, 77-57, early in the fourth after a Sangalang deuce. 

Ginebra tried to stage a comeback, slicing the deficit to 11, 72-83, with 3:42 left, but timely shots by Buffen, Sangalang and Barroca iced the game. 

Stephen Holt spearheaded Ginebra with 17 points, five rebounds and an assist, while Riley Grigsby had 15 markers. 

The two teams are now holding identical 2-3 win-loss records.