PBA: Magnolia Hotshots Secured Victory Over San Miguel Beermen
April 17, 2025 — Magnolia pulled off a gutsy 98-95 overtime win over the San Miguel Beermen in an intense showdown inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum. This almost “didn’t make it” and clutch gameplay helped the team to keep their perfect record alive in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup. Down by 14 in the third quarter, Magnolia stood firmly to claim solo leadership at 3-0 while handing the Beermen their first loss.
From buzzer to buzzer, the San Miguel vs. Magnolia clash was pure basketball chaos in the best way possible. Guess who’s the apple of the eye in this competition? None other than Zavier Lucero. The sophomore forward played like a man possessed, dropping 24 points, grabbing seven boards, dishing 2 assists, and coming up with 2 massive blocks.
“Hell, yeah,” Lucero can’t help but shout postgame. This was after he fired up after being named Player of the Game. “I just tried to play to my strengths. I knew I could make an impact.” Still, Lucero made it clear he wasn’t alone. “This win, it’s all about the team,” he thoughtfully said to credit his teammates’ support.
Magnolia turned up the heat down 44-58 midway through the third. Jerom Lastimosa, the rookie with ice in his veins, came alive. He helped the team secure its winning seat by winning the game with 21 points, including four huge triples—none bigger than the one that sent the game to overtime. The reliable veteran, Mark Barroca, didn’t light up the scoreboard with just 7 points. Yet, he also sealed it with two clutch jumpers in overtime.
Calvin Abueva brought the muscle with an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double. Meanwhile, Peter Alfaro was perfect from deep, going 3-of-3 for 11 points. The Hotshots used full-court pressure and swarming defense to rattle San Miguel, swinging the momentum their way.
“We need this kind of game, a grind-out game, to test our character… kung nasaan kami ngayon,” said head coach Chito Victolero. “Magandang panalo.” Nearly ten days before their next assignment, Victolero praised his veterans and young guns for stepping up. “This mix is special,” he added.
San Miguel wasn’t without their stars. June Mar Fajardo tallied 17 points and 17 rebounds, Juami Tiongson added 17 of his own, Don Trollano had 16, while CJ Perez chipped in 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists—but also committed a handful of costly turnovers. Chris Ross added 10 points, and San Miguel looked poised to go 3-0 until Magnolia flipped the switch. Trollano had a shot to tie it at the buzzer in overtime, but his three missed the mark, sealing the win for Magnolia.
Magnolia’s next test comes on April 26 when they face Phoenix in Zamboanga City. San Miguel looks to bounce back on April 25 against rivals Barangay Ginebra.
Photo: PBA Images
