Magnolia snared its first win in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup by spoiling Meralco’s plans of winning a third straight game through a 112-98 decision in a meeting between budding rivals, Friday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Bent on breaking through after starting out with twin losses, the Hotshots showed much better poise down the stretch this time around behind their usual suspects after the opposition came within a field goal early in the fourth.

Zavier Lucero scored off a layup, Rome Dela Rosa hit a baseline jumper thanks to a solid back pick, before Ian Sangalang and Mark Barroca came through as the quartet put together an 11-4 run for the 99-90 lead with 6:02 to go.

That restored order for Magnolia although it was the 7-0 spurt—capped by a Dela Rosa trey—for the 105-92 lead with 3:49 left that put the game away.

“I hope ito ‘yung hinihintay naming momentum,” said head coach LA Tenorio as the perennial contenders finally got on board in Group B with a 1-2 record.

Five players finished in double figures in the victory, with import KJ Buffen leading the way with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists.

Lucero himself registered a double-double of his own with 20 points and 11 rebounds, together with two assists, two steals, and two blocks.

Sangalang led the bench mob with 16 points. Barroca and Jerom Lastimosa delivered 14 and 13 markers, respectively, as the locals left Tenorio pleased by providing their American reinforcement the support he’s been needing.

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Strong Group has unveiled former NBA center Boban Marjanović as its first reinforcement for the 45th William Jones Cup, with the Serbian giant set to lead the team’s bid for a historic third straight championship in the annual tournament scheduled from August 8 to 23 at the New Taipei City Xinzhuang Gymnasium.

The 7-foot-4 veteran becomes the first player officially announced for the Philippine club as it begins assembling its roster for what is expected to be a highly-competitive tournament.

Strong Group president Jacob Lao said Strong Group is leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit of another title, especially with several countries expected to field formidable lineups.

“We’re building the best team possible because we know this will be the toughest William Jones Cup yet,” Lao said.

“Every participating country is expected to bring in quality lineups, so we want to make sure we’re prepared for that challenge. Bringing in a player like Boban gives us a tremendous presence on both ends of the floor, and we’re excited to have him represent Strong Group-Pilipinas.”

Marjanović brings an accomplished résumé to the squad after spending nine seasons in the NBA from 2015 to 2024.

During that span, he suited up for the San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets.

Before making his mark in the world’s top basketball league, the Serbian center established himself as one of Europe’s premier big men. He earned three Serbian League MVP honors while becoming a longtime member of Serbia’s national team in international competition.

“Excited on getting Boban to agree to play for us. We’ve been having some good talks; he’s in shape and serious about this tournament, he’s preparing back home even before he flies out here. We’ve already talked a bit about basketball and our plans. Great and funny guy too,” long-time Strong Group coach Charles Tiu said as the 37-year-old Serbian is fresh off playing for Ilirija in Slovenia.

More players are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as Strong Group finalizes its roster for the tournament.

Strong Group was drawn into Group A, where it will battle Chinese Taipei-Blue, Korea, and Japan in the preliminary round as it seeks to become the first team to capture three consecutive William Jones Cup titles since Iran did so from 2009-2011.

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Nigerian-descent new arrival at Miami Heat of USA, Giannis Antetokounmpo has come out with a stern reaction to speculation that he might struggle at the National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise, as he believes his new team is the right place for him to be.

Sports247 reports that many NBA fans, ex-players, analysts and basketball experts are of a view that the 31-year-old Nigerian-born Greece international will struggle to adapt to life in Miami, after spending 13 seasons at Milwaukee Bucks, where he won the NBA title in 2024.

READ ALSO: Antetokounmpo Switches To Jersey Number Seven, Moments After Confirming Transfer To Miami Heat

However, a defiant Antetokounmpo, whose full name is Giannis Sina Ugo Adetokunbo, declared emphatically that he is determined to make his transition to Miami very smooth, even as he thanked everyone he left behind at The Bucks and people in the city of Milwaukee for the love they gave him.

‘The Greek Freak’ added that The Bucks still hold a place in his heart, despite all controversy that trailed his final season with the team, but he now wants to concentrate fully on his next focus, which is on making his stay in Miami glorious, especially as their team is highly regarded in the NBA.

As he settles down in Miami, the 10-time NBA All-Star player disclosed further that he is already embracing the chance to link forces with the team’s Nigerian-born centre, Bam Adebayo, a three-time All-Star himself, and they both share 11 All-Defensive team accolades between them.

“I just love playing basketball. I got on the court, I was able to talk to the coaching staff, the way they play and what they think. I just want to be around them as much as I can. So, when the time comes, and training camp comes, I’m ready.

“Not just ready to train, I’m ready to help my teammates. I’m ready to give positive feedback to people who need it. And I’m ready for the challenge. I love pressure. I think pressure brings the best out of me. That’s what I’ve seen so far in my career.

“I think this is the right place to be. One of my goals is to win another NBA championship, and I really want to do it. Whenever I put my mind into something, I usually accomplish it. I feel like this is the best route for me to do that,” Antetokounmpo submitted.

The post Miami Heat Is Right Place For Me To Be, Giannis Antetokounmpo Declares appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.