Lucero powers Hotshots past Bossing in PBA All-Filipino opener

Zav Lucero led the Magnolia Hotshots with 21 points and seven rebounds on efficient 8-of-11 shooting, propelling them to a 106-84 victory over the Blackwater Bossing in their PBA All-Filipino Cup opening game.

Coach Chito Victolero highlighted their four-week preparation, focusing on defense and ball movement, which resulted in limiting the Bossing to under 90 points and achieving over 20 assists.

Ian Sangalang contributed a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Mark Barroca added 14 points, and Jerom Lastimosa and Calvin Abueva scored 13 points each for Magnolia.

Despite Blackwater cutting the deficit to four points in the second quarter, Magnolia extended their lead to 20 points in the third period with an 18-2 run.

Christian David scored 31 points and Sedrick Barefield added 24 for the Bossing, but their efforts were insufficient.

The win gives Magnolia an early 1-0 record in the conference, while Blackwater starts at 0-1.

Magnolia aims to build on this victory as they view the Philippine Cup as a redemption campaign after title-less seasons since 2018 and early playoff exits in the last three conferences.