Magnolia beats Blackwater 107-101 for fourth successive victory
KJ Buffen delivered 24 points and 20 rebounds as the Hotshots improved to 5-3 in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Magnolia survived a late challenge from Blackwater to win 107-101 in the PBA Governors’ Cup at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino Stadium on October 9, 2026. The Hotshots extended their winning run to four games, while the Bossing fell to 3-4.
KJ Buffen finished with 24 points, 20 rebounds, an assist and a block. Jerom Lastimosa also scored 24 points and contributed seven assists and three rebounds. Magnolia now holds a 5-3 record after losing three of its opening four games.
Blackwater cut a deficit that had reached 13 points to three when Sedrick Barefield hit a three-pointer with 3:18 left. Buffen responded with two free throws and a three-pointer, putting Magnolia ahead 105-97 with 2:10 remaining.
Free throws from Kentrell Barkley and Barefield brought Blackwater to 101-105 with 39.1 seconds remaining. Barkley then rebounded a missed Lastimosa shot, but Chris Koon stole the ball. Lastimosa made two free throws with 3.6 seconds left before Barkley missed a four-pointer at the buzzer.
Zav Lucero supplied 17 points for Magnolia, with Koon and Yukien Andrada scoring nine each. Barefield led Blackwater with 24 points, four rebounds and two steals. Barkley recorded 20 points on 7-of-20 shooting, 13 rebounds and eight assists in his return. Mike DiGregorio added 15 points and RK Ilagan had 13.
