Magnolia finally found its breakthrough—and it came in emphatic fashion behind a new face in the lineup.

Clint Chapman wasted no time changing the narrative for the Hotshots, erupting for 39 points and 15 rebounds to lead a 121-109 victory over Macau in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Saturday, March 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The result snapped a frustrating four-game slide and injected life into a campaign that had struggled to find consistency. More importantly, it gave Magnolia a clear glimpse of what it had been missing.

New import provides instant lift

Instead of easing into the system, Chapman immediately imposed his presence, giving Magnolia a reliable interior anchor on both ends of the floor. His scoring came in waves, but it was his ability to steady the team during crucial stretches that stood out most.

Even when Macau mounted a serious threat and erased a double-digit deficit to tie the game late, Magnolia never unraveled. With Chapman leading the charge, the Hotshots responded with a decisive closing run that restored control and ultimately put the game away.

Coach LA Tenorio pointed to the team’s long search for rhythm, noting that the win was less about dominance and more about finally putting together a complete performance.

Supporting cast steps up in key moments

Chapman’s performance set the tone, but Magnolia’s supporting pieces ensured the effort did not go to waste. Jerom Lastimosa provided a steady offensive spark, while Zav Lucero controlled the paint defensively with multiple key stops.

Chris Koon also made his presence felt beyond the scoring column, contributing rebounds and playmaking that helped keep the offense flowing during critical stretches.

Macau, despite dropping to 0-4, showed resilience behind a breakout showing from Lao Chon Pong and solid support from Tony Mitchell and Damien Chongqui. But their late push ultimately fell short against Magnolia’s composed finish.

With its first win finally secured, Magnolia now shifts its focus to building continuity—something Chapman himself emphasized as the next step as the team looks to climb back into contention.