Magnolia continued its turnaround from a 0-3 start in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup after sending Converge into desperation mode with a 106-94 win on Sunday at Ynares Center here.
Import Clint Chapman had another strong showing, producing 22 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and two blocks, even as Zavier Lucero tallied 17 points and 14 rebounds for Hotshots, who improved to a 4-4 win-loss slate.
The Hotshots restored their hold on joint seventh alongside the San Miguel Beermen, who earlier slipped past the NLEX Road Warriors, 98-94.
It was the latest double-digit victory for Magnolia, similar to its other three wins this conference against guest team Macau, Terrafirma and San Miguel.
Rome dela Rosa also contributed 13 points, six rebounds and two blocks, Jerom Lastimosa had 10 points and three assists while Chris Koon came off the bench to produce nine points in 12 minutes.
Converge dropped to a 2-6 record as its woes continued, having no other option but to win its final four matches to at least have a chance of making the playoffs.
Juan Gomez de Liano scored 22 points in the loss, but import Kylor Kelley struggled with just seven points, six rebounds and two blocks for the FiberXers.
Mikey Williams and Calvin Abueva combined for just three points for Converge.