Magnolia regained its winning form with a composed 104-93 victory over Terrafirma in the PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday, October 25, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Hotshots erased an early 11-point deficit and delivered when it mattered most, fending off a gritty Terrafirma side that challenged them for three quarters before fading in the final stretch.

With the result, Magnolia improved to 3-1 to tie TNT atop the standings while extending its mastery of Terrafirma to 22 straight games since 2016.

Magnolia takes charge in the final quarter

The Dyip momentarily seized control after a 17-9 run at the end of the third frame, entering the fourth with a slim 76-75 lead. But Raffy Verano quickly turned the tide, opening the quarter with back-to-back three-pointers that restored momentum for Magnolia.

From there, the Hotshots tightened their defense and executed efficiently on offense, using a 29-point final period to seal the win. Jerom Lastimosa contributed 16 points off the bench, while Paul Lee and Ian Sangalang added 12 apiece. Zavier Lucero provided nine points and nine rebounds despite foul trouble.

Veteran guard Mark Barroca supplied stability with 17 points on a perfect 8-of-8 shooting clip, 11 of which came in the closing period.

Terrafirma falters from long range

Despite their strong start, the Dyip struggled to sustain their pace and shot just 1-of-23 from beyond the arc. Paolo Hernandez led Terrafirma with 16 points and 10 rebounds, JM Bravo also scored 16, while Aljon Mariano finished with 12 and nine boards. Mark Sangalang chipped in 11 before fouling out midway through the fourth quarter.

The Dyip’s inefficiency from both the perimeter and the foul line—where they went 34-of-51—proved costly in their bid to end an eight-year skid against Magnolia.

Magnolia, meanwhile, used the win to recover from its narrow 76-78 loss to TNT last weekend, keeping its campaign steady as it eyes a favorable playoff position.