Mark Barroca drew from his wealth of experience as he stepped up when Magnolia needed him the most to upend Terrafirma in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
When push comes to shove, Mark Barroca always knows how to get the job done for Magnolia.
With frustrations and pressure mounting for the rest of the Hotshots, Barroca proved to be the stabilizer in their 104-93 win over Terrafirma in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo Saturday, Oct. 25.
Magnolia thus joined TNT atop the heap with a 3-1 record.
The veteran guard took charge in the fourth period, making sure he made the right shots on his way to 17 points on a perfect 8-for-8 from the field.
He dropped 11 in the said frame.
“Siguro, 'yong mentality naming kailangan naming manalo, whatever it takes. Kasi nga, we needed to bounce back hard sa game na 'to kasi masakit ang pagkatalo namin last game,” said Barroca whose team atoned for their 76-78 loss to Meralco the last time out.
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Magnolia Hotshots buck slow start
The Hotshots actually limped to a 9-20 opening salvo against the Dyip, whose limited ceiling did not seem to be a problem against their bigger, taller foes, including Ian Sangalang and James Laput.
Fortunately for Magnolia, Barroca was there to save the day.
Jerom Lastimosa scored 16 points, Paul Lee made up for a dismal first three games, where he only totaled two markers, and wound up with 12 this time.
Zavier Lucero registers a near double-double of 11 points and nine rebounds for Magnolia. | Photo: PBA Images
Meanwhile, the Dyip skidded to a second straight loss for a dismal 1-3 record.
Paolo Hernandez led the way for Terrafirma with 16 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.
JM Bravo also contributed 16 markers.
Magnolia vs. Terrafirma Scores:
Magnolia – Barroca 17, Lastimosa 16, Lee 12, Sanagalang 12, Lucero 11, Dela Rosa 7, Laput 7, Verano 6, Alfaro 5, Gomez de Liano 5, Gomez 3, Escoto 3, Eriobu 0
Terrafirma – Hernandez 16, Bravo 16, Mariano 12, Ahanmisi 11, Sangalang 11, Paraiso 9, Garcia 5, Catapusan 4, Rivero 4, Zaldivar 4, Olivario 1, Hanapi 0
Quarterscores: 20-23, 50-47, 75-76, 104-93
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.