The Magnolia Hotshots are off to a good start in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
When healthy, Magnolia is definitely scary.
The Hotshots showed a glimpse of that when they dismantled Blackwater, 106-84, in their PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup opener Saturday, April 5.
Magnolia zoomed to a 37-22 lead, weathered a second quarter surge by the Bossing, then finished the match how they started: strong.
Hotshots chief tactician Chito Victolero said the team really put premium on health during the offseason after injuries hounded them in the Commissioner's Cup.
"Trying to keep emphasis sa health ng mga players, 'yong recovery nila. We have four weeks na I think, for me, maganda ang preparation namin ngayon. They're all healthy," said Victolero.
[RELATED STORY: Magnolia kicks off PBA Philippine Cup campaign with win over Blackwater]
Zavier Lucero was at the forefront of the Hotshots attack, finishing with 21 points, seven rebounds, and an assist.
Lucero also dropped nine points in a 32-20 third quarter outburst that broke the game wide open for Magnolia.
Ian Sangalang had a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds that went with two assists and a block, while Mark Barroca put up 14 markers, two boards and three dimes.
"Last conference, talagang na-hit kami ng injuries, especially sa import namin. Sana 'yong journey namin this conference will be a healthy one para lang mas maganda ang showing namin," Victolero said.
[ALSO READ: Chris Newsome clutch as Meralco gets title defense going with win over Converge]
Christian David paced Blackwater with 31 points, five rebounds and two steals.
Sedrick Barefield added 24 markers, four boards, seven dimes and two swipes.
Magnolia vs Blackwater Scores:
MAGNOLIA 106 – Lucero 21, Sangalang 15, Barroca 14, Lastimosa 13, Abueva 13, Dela Rosa 8, Lee 7, Dionisio 7, Alfaro 2, Ahanmisi 2, Laput 2, Escoto 2, Reavis 0, Balanza 0, Eriobu 0.
BLACKWATER 84 – David 31, Barefield 24, Casio 6, Escoto 4, Tungcab 4, Ayonayon 4, Mallilin 4, Andrade 2, Chua 2, Guinto 2, Mitchell 1, Caperal 0, Jopia 0, Kwekuteye 0.
Quarterscores: 37-22, 53-46, 85-66, 106-84