Barroca saves the day as Magnolia subdues Converge

Mark Barroca (left) PBA PHOTO 

Veteran guard Mark Barroca rescued Magnolia from collapse after scoring six of his team’s last eight points as the Hotshots overcame Converge’s fierce fightback via a 99-95 win in the main game of the PBA on Tour on Wednesday at the Ynares Arena in Pasig.

While the Hotshots seemed to be in control after leading by as many as 14 points in the third canto, the FiberXers slowly chipped the Magnolia lead with their grit and hard work.

Converge managed to grab the upper hand, 78-77 with over seven minutes to play in the last period on a three-pointer by Kevin Racal. The game from there went nip and tuck.

Jeron Teng gave Converge what would prove to be his team’s last taste of the lead with a trey for a 95-92 advantage.

But Barroca, the fifth overall pick in the 2011 PBA Draft, delivered when it mattered most.

The 5-foot-10 Barroca went on to score a pair of free throws, then added the go-ahead jumper moments later, off a ball handling turnover by Converge guard Alec Stockton.

The 37-year-old Barroca then made two more free throws off a Jerrick Balanza foul, before Jed Mendoza sealed Magnolkia’s second win in the PBA On Tour with his own pair of foul shots.

Despite playing without veterans Ian Sangalang, Calvin Abueva and Jio Jalalon, Magnolia managed to control the boards, 42-31 and held a slight edge in assists, 21-19.

Paul Lee led the Hotshots with 21 points, highlighted by five triples, along with six assists.

On the other hand, Mendoza, the 61st and last pick in the 2021 PBA Draft, added 14 in a splendid contribution in 24 minutes of play.

Barroca finished with 12 and seven assists, while Jerick Ahanmisi also chipped in 12.

James Laput flirted with a double-double after scoring eight points and 10 boards, while Abu Tratter, facing his former team for the first time since being traded to Magnolia, added eight and six rebounds.

Racal and Balanza led Converge with 22 and 20 points, respectively, while Mike Nieto contributed 18 on 4-of-6 shooting from rainbow territory.