Magnolia's Zavier Lucero in action against NorthPort in the 2024 PBA Governors' Cup on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum. PBA Images

MANILA -- The Magnolia Hotshots rebuffed a stubborn NorthPort squad, 105-94, to claim another victory in the 2024 PBA Governors' Cup on Wednesday evening at the Araneta Coliseum. 

The Hotshots made it two wins in a row, hiking their record to 3-2 in Group A of the tournament. They also handed the Batang Pier their second straight loss, dropping them to 2-3.

NorthPort was still within striking distance, 94-91, with three and a half minutes left thanks to a bucket from Arvin Tolentino.

But Aris Dionisio knocked down a three-pointer and Paul Lee connected on a layup, before a baseline dunk by Magnolia import Glenn Robinson III put the Hotshots up by double-digits, 101-91, with just 1:26 left to play.

The Batang Pier faded from there, with a layup by John Amores proving too late to make a difference.

Five players were in double-digits for Magnolia, with Robinson III firing 15 points on top of 11 boards and four steals. Zavier Lucero had a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Lee went 5-of-11 from the field for 20 points. 

NorthPort hung around for most of the game even though they played without Will Navarro and import Venky Jois. Cade Flores paced the Batang Pier with 23 points and 10 boards.

Tolentino, the PBA Player of the Week, was limited to 11 points, though he did have 12 rebounds and six assists. 

The Scores :

MAGNOLIA  105 – Robinson 25, Lee 20, Lucero 16, Ahanmisi 10, Abueva 10, Sangalang 8, Barroca 5, Dionisio 5, Balanza 2, Dela Rosa 2, Laput 1, Mendoza 0, Eriobu 0

NORTHPORT 94 – Flores 23, Munzon 13, Cuntapay 12, Tolentino 11, Yu 10, Onwubere 7, Jalalon 5, Bulanadi 4, Tratter 4, Nelle 3, Amores 2, Taha 0

QUARTERS: 23-22, 46-46, 76-73, 105-94