Without leading scorer Zavier Lucero, the Magnolia Hotshots turned a night of rest into a statement. Their reserves delivered, and the team now holds the top seed in Group B of the PBA Governors’ Cup heading into the quarterfinals.

Magnolia outlasted Rain or Shine, 107-103, on Wednesday at Ynares Center Antipolo to finish the eliminations at 7-3. Javi Gómez de Liaño led the Hotshots with 19 points while the starters got a well-deserved break.

Magnolia Hotshots Bench Delivers in PBA Governors’ Cup Win

Gómez de Liaño set the tone with 19 points, hitting six of his 10 attempts from beyond the arc. Peter Alfaro III followed with 17 off the bench, giving Magnolia steady scoring when the offense needed it most.

Jerom Lastimosa added 16 points and Yukien Andrada chipped in 11, giving the Hotshots three reserves in double figures. Import KJ Buffen played just 16 minutes but still produced 16 points, six rebounds and three assists.

Magnolia coach LA Tenorio said the result reflects how the team prepares: “it doesn’t matter who’s on the floor, should be ready to play.” He added that everyone practices the same way and knows the system.

Tenorio said the reserves played like starters, which he called the team’s culture. In his view, that preparation is why the bench can make an impact whenever it is called on.

PBA Group B Standings: Rain or Shine, Phoenix Battle for Second

Rain or Shine got 25 points from Adrian Nocum and 18 from import Aaron Fuller but slipped to a tie for second with Phoenix Super LPG at 5-4. The two teams will fight for second place Friday at the same Antipolo venue.

The last quarterfinal berth in Group B is still being disputed by Barangay Ginebra (4-5), Meralco (4-6) and Blackwater (3-6). The race will be settled as the eliminations close out.

In Group A, the order is already set: NLEX at No. 1, San Miguel Beer at No. 2, Converge at No. 3 and TNT at No. 4. In Group B, the final order is still taking shape behind Magnolia.