Magnolia import Clint Chapman grabs a rebound against Converge in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup, April 19, 2026 at the Ynares Center Antipolo. PBA Media
ANTIPOLO (UPDATED) – The Magnolia Hotshots scored back-to-back wins in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup after fending off the Converge FiberXers, 106-94, in the Ynares Center Antipolo on Sunday.
Magnolia's young guns stepped up in the first half, reinforced by import Clint Chapman, to take a 49-39 halftime lead.
The Hotshots capitalized on that momentum, extending their lead to as much as 20 points by the third quarter.
Juan Gomez de Liaño attempted to spark a comeback for the FiberXers in the final frame, cutting the lead to single digits, 96-88, following two crucial free throws.
The Converge rookie then drained a trey to keep his team within striking distance, 98-91, with 2:02 left on the clock.
However, a Clint Chapman jumper extended the lead for the Hotshots, followed by a dagger from Mark Barroca that sealed the win with 23 seconds remaining.
Four Magnolia players tallied double-digit scores, led by Chapman with 22 points on 50% shooting and 14 rebounds.
Lucero added 17 markers and 14 boards, earning him the Best Player of the Game honors.
Rome Dela Rosa chipped in 13 points, while Jerom Lastimosa finished with 10 markers.
Magnolia head coach LA Tenorio praised his team for locking in on defense from start to finish, hoping they can replicate this effort in their next games.
"I always emphasize playing defense. So, going into this game, I really challenged my team to concentrate on getting stops and being solid on halfcourt defense. Because we know Converge can really score easily because of the talent they have," Tenorio said in the post-game press conference.
"I told them this game is basically a playoff game for us. It's either them or us. ‘Yun lang 'yun eh, 'di ba? It's either them or us because of our team standings. Dikit-dikit kasi masyado. So, every game counts," he added.
Gomez de Liaño topscored for Converge with 22 points, shooting 2-of-4 from the four-point line.
Alec Stockton had 19 markers, big man Justin Arana added 15, while Archie Concepcion tallied 14 points.
Magnolia has won four of its last five games, boosting its playoff bid with a 4-4 record.
Converge slips to 2-6 after losing six of its last seven outings, with their only win coming against the Titan Ultra Giant Risers.
Their next assignment is against the Blackwater Bossing on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Up next for Magnolia is the undefeated Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Saturday at the same venue.