In a pivotal Game 3 of the PBA 48th Season Commissioner’s Cup Finals, Magnolia showcased its defensive prowess to claim an 88-80 win over San Miguel, preventing the heavily favored Beermen from taking a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series. The victory was a significant turnaround for the Hotshots, who had faced tough challenges in the earlier games.

Mark Barroca emerged as a key player for Magnolia, leading the team’s offensive charge with 20 points. Supported by contributions from locals like Paul Lee, Tyler Bey, Ian Sangalang, and Jackson Corpuz, Magnolia’s offense found its rhythm while maintaining a strong defensive presence throughout the game.

Import Tyler Bey took on a defensive role, successfully limiting the scoring opportunities for San Miguel’s top players. Despite Bennie Boatwright’s impressive performance of 27 points for the Beermen, Magnolia’s defensive efforts held San Miguel below the century mark for the first time in the finals.

San Miguel, playing without guards Jericho Cruz and Terrence Romeo due to injuries, faced challenges in finding offensive momentum against Magnolia’s suffocating defense. While Boatwright led the scoring for the Beermen, their efforts fell short against Magnolia’s determined defensive strategy.

With the win, Magnolia avoids falling into a 0-3 deficit in the championship series, providing a much-needed boost of confidence for the team as they look ahead to the remainder of the finals.