Gin Kings drop second straight match

Mark Barroca took charge in the closing stretch of Magnolia’s game against Brgy. Ginebra and led the Hotshots to a 91-80 victory Sunday night in the 2023 PBA on Tour at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

With the score tied at 74-all in the 5:50 mark of the final frame, the Chito Victolero-mentored squad went on a dizzying 17-6 run anchored on 9 points by Barroca to seal the deal and remain perfect in the preseason tournament after 4 outings.

The Gin Kings, on the other hand, stumbled to their second straight defeat.

The 37-year old Barroca finished with 20 points in 28 minutes of action. He shot 8-of-15 from the field including 2-of-6 from beyond the arc and also had a rebound, 5 assists and 3 steals.

“Yung game was up and down. It was a close game and down the stretch we’re able to execute,” said Victolero.

“And I think malaking tulong yun sa amin on how to execute especially in a close game,” he added.

Jerrick Ahanmisi dropped 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting from 3-point country while Jio Jalalon and Jackson Corpuz added 12 and 11 markers, respectively. James Laput collared a game-high 12 boards to go with 8 points.

Ian Sangalang returned from a long layoff due to a thyroid issue and contributed 4 points and 4 rebounds in 16 minutes of play.

Reserve big man Raymond Aguilar paced Brgy. Ginebra with 22 points while Kim Aurin added 12. Nards Pinto and Von Pessumal scored 12 each.

The Gin Kings return to action on Wednesday, June 14, 7:30pm against the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The scores:

Magnolia 91 – Barroca 20, Ahanmisi 17, Jalalon 12, Corpuz 11, Mendoza 8, Laput 8, Lee 7, Sangalang 4, Dela Rosa 4, Murrell 0

Brgy. Ginebra 80 – R. Aguilar 22, Aurin 12, Pinto 11, Pessumal 11, Gray 8, David 6, Mariano 5, Dillinger 3, Gumaru 2, Onwubere 0, Salcedo 0, Cu 0

Quarterscores: 25-23, 44-38, 67-58, 91-80.