The Magnolia Hotshots joined the early PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup winners Terrafirma Dyip and Meralco Bolts.
Magnolia raced off to a hot start en route to thumping Blackwater, 106-84, in their opening assignment in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate on Saturday, April 5.
After making it to the quarterfinals in the recently concluded Commissioner's Cup, the Hotshots kicked off their redemption tour on a winning note.
Zavier Lucero earned Player of the Game honors with his 21-point, seven-rebound outing.
[ALSO READ: Terrence Romeo, Terrafirma clip Phoenix to open PBA Philippine Cup campaign on a high]
The Hotshots will aim for back-to-back wins when they test the mettle of Converge on April 9, when the league celebrates its 50th founding anniversary.