Hotshots go 2-0 at Phoenix's expense, Tolentino-led NorthPort escapes Rain or Shine

Magnolia subdued Phoenix Super LPG, 107-92, behind another impressive showing from import Tyler Bey for a 2-0 start in the 2023-2024 PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, November 12.

Bey tallied 32 points, 12 of those in the pivotal third quarter that helped the Hotshots establish a double-digit lead they never relinquished until the final buzzer, 16 rebounds, and 3 steals, as coach Chito Victolero's wards extended their winning streak to 13 games since sweeping the 11-game PBA on Tour preseason tournament.

In their 110-102 opening day victory over TNT, Bey dropped a 30-point, 20-rebound double-double to lead Magnolia.

Like in the Tropang Giga game, he got the much-needed productions from the Hotshots' locals led by Jio Jalalon, who scored 20 points on 8/16 shooting, including 3-of-5 three-pointers while collecting eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals.

Off the bench, Mark Barroca caught fire in the final canto as he listed nine of his 15 markers in this juncture and was an assist shy of a double-double performance, while Paul Lee added 13.

With the score knotted at 51-all after the first half, Bey poured nine of his 12 third-quarter points in the 17-6 run used by Magnolia to mount an 80-70 lead going into the fourth period.

Failing to stop the Hotshots' onslaught in the payoff period that saw them erect a 22-point advantage, the Fuel Masters absorbed their eighth consecutive defeat against the former since the 2021 Philippine Cup.

Last 2022, the San Miguel Corporation-backed squad also defeated Phoenix, 90-80, on the exact same date and venue.

The Hotshots stayed atop the team standings with an identical record as the Meralco Bolts and NorthPort Batang Pier amid missing the service of Calvin Abueva, who was sidelined after undergoing a hemorrhoids operation in October.

Abueva is expected to suit up for Magnolia in December.

Johnathan Williams III provided 26 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, two assists, and two steals in a losing effort for the Jamike Jarin-mentored cagers that fell to 1-1.

Jayjay Alejandro finished with 15 points on three triples, Javee Mocon added 11 markers, six boards, and three assists, and Jason Perkins and Kenneth Tuffin contributed 11 apiece but went to naught.

In the first game of the Sunday double-header, Arvin Tolentino surpassed his previous career-high he set a year ago on the same date and venue with a 35-point explosion for NorthPort's 113-103 beating of Rain or Shine.

Previously hitting 31 points on November 12, 2022, Tolentino unloaded five triples and put four in the 10-4 finishing windup of the Batang Pier for 35 markers, alongside nine rebounds, four steals, and three assists.

Australian reinforcement Venky Jois registered 30 points, 21 rebounds, and seven assists as the Bonnie Tan-coached cagers improved to a 2-0 slate for the first time since the 2022 Philippine Cup.

Joshua Munzon churned out 15 markers while JM Calma chimed in 11.

The Elasto Painters trailed by as much as 19 points in the fourth quarter, 80-61, but managed to trim down the deficit to just four, 103-99, with 3:19 to go.

But Rain or Shine lost steam down the stretch to fall short of a terrific comeback, sliding to a 0-2 card despite Dajuan Summers' 32 points.

Santi Santillan backstopped Summers with 15 points followed by Andrei Caracut's 13, Rey Nambatac's 11, and Beau Belga's 10 in a futile effort.