The Magnolia Hotshots continued their impressive run in the PBA On Tour, securing their seventh consecutive victory with a commanding 121-101 win against the Meralco Bolts at the Filoil Ecooil Centre in San Juan City. Led by a stellar performance from Paul Lee and a collective effort from the team, the Hotshots showcased their dominance and moved within four wins of completing a clean sweep of the exhibition series.
Lee emerged as the standout player of the game, contributing 28 points, including seven three-pointers, in just 19 minutes of play. The sharpshooting guard ignited the Hotshots’ offense and set the tone for his teammates. The victory showcased the team’s depth, with five other players reaching double figures in scoring.
Coach Chito Victolero emphasized that their focus is not solely on maintaining an unbeaten record but on building good habits and fostering a positive team culture. Victolero’s approach has helped the Hotshots gel as a unit, enabling them to perform consistently at a high level.
In addition to the victory, Victolero also revealed that Calvin Abueva would be available for their next game against the San Miguel Beermen. Abueva, who had been sidelined due to a leg injury, is set to make his debut in the On Tour. His return will provide an added boost to an already formidable Hotshots lineup.
Despite the loss, the Meralco Bolts displayed resilience despite missing key players such as Chris Newsome and Aaron Black throughout the On Tour. Diego Dario led the Bolts’ scoring efforts with 22 points, while seldom-used Franky Johnson seized the opportunity to contribute with 13 points.
The Magnolia Hotshots’ victory over the Meralco Bolts demonstrated their dominance in the PBA On Tour. With Paul Lee leading the way and a strong supporting cast, the Hotshots remain undefeated and are steadily building momentum for the upcoming season. As they focus on developing good habits and team culture, the Hotshots aim to be in peak condition for Season 48, showcasing their commitment to playing perfect basketball.