With a stifling defense and a relentless inside-outside assault, the Magnolia Hotshots crushed the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 118-99, Saturday night, April 26, at the Zamboanga City Coliseum, moving to a perfect 4-0 in the PBA Philippine Cup.

It was a night to remember for hometown star Mark Barroca, who celebrated his post-birthday homecoming with 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists. His performance propelled the Hotshots past a resilient Phoenix squad and kept Magnolia atop the standings ahead of idle San Miguel Beer (3-1).

Ian Sangalang led all scorers with 20 points, anchoring Magnolia’s dominant inside presence. Paul Lee and Zav Lucero contributed 17 points each, with Lee drilling three triples and Lucero adding 11 rebounds in an all-around effort.

The turning point came in the second quarter when Barroca, Jerrick Ahanmisi, and Lee sparked a fiery 20-5 run that ballooned the Hotshots’ lead to 65-48 by halftime. Magnolia extended the gap to as much as 28 points in the second half, leaving Phoenix scrambling to keep up.

Despite a strong 25-point, 15-rebound performance from Kai Ballungay and 22 points from RR Garcia, the Fuel Masters slid to a 1-3 record.

“It’s always special to perform in front of your hometown crowd. The energy tonight was incredible,” said Barroca, who turned 39 a day before the game.

The Scores:

Magnolia 118 – Sangalang 20, Barroca 18, Lucero 17, Lee 17, Laput 10, Dela Rosa 8, Ahanmisi 7, Alfaro 6, Abueva 6, Escoto 5, Lastimosa 4, Dionisio 0, Balanza 0.

Phoenix 99 – Ballungay 25, Garcia 22, Perkins 17, Tio 8, Soyud 6, Tuffin 5, Rivero 4, Manganti 4, Camacho 4, Jazul 4, Daves 0, Ular 0, Verano 0.

Quarterscores: 35-27, 67-53, 94-74, 118-99.