Antonio Hester triumphant in return as Magnolia rips Phoenix for first win

Antonio Hester made sure to debut for Magnolia in winning fashion, steering the Hotshots to a 108-95 win over Phoenix Super LPG to record their breakthrough victory in the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Hester, who previously had a stint with Terrafirma, finished with 28 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, four steals, and one block as the Hotshots finally barged into the win column to go 1-3.

Phoenix, meanwhile, dropped back-to-back games to fall to 1-5.

A Rome Dela Rosa triple sent Magnolia to its biggest lead of 27, 87-60, late in the third period before they headed to the fourth carrying an 87-67 cushion. Encho Serrano, Tyler Tio, and Jason Perkins then connived to bring the Fuel Masters to a 14-point deficit, 89-75.

Hester again connected to bring Magnolia to a 105-84 advantage before Phoenix ignited for an 11-0 run that made it a 105-95 affair. But Adrian Wong nailed a crucial triple in the final 13 seconds to complete the victory.

Mark Barroca led the locals with 19 points and four assists off the bench while Calvin Abueva chipped in 18 markers, 10 rebounds, and five dimes as Magnolia ended its drought.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News