MAGNOLIA snapped a three-game losing skid by downing Phoenix Super LPG, 108-95, in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Newly-acquired import Antonio Hester finished with a double-double performance with 28 points on 9-of-14 shooting,12 rebounds and six assists in 42 minutes of action.

Hester, who replaced Erik McCree as Magnolia’s import., played in Zamboanga in the ABL Invitational where he averaged 24.6 ppg, 9.8 rpg in 10 games.

“He (Lester) changed a lot of our movements, especially ‘yung offensive schemes namin because without Ian (Sangalang), we don’t have any post threat,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero

“That’s why we got this guy, to open up the floor, give our guards the chance to get their clear shots.”

Mark Barroca led the locals with 19 points, while Calvin Abueva had 18 points, 10 rebounds and five assists for coach Chito Victolero.

Paul Lee and Jerrick Ahanmisi added 14 and 12 points, respectively.

Jason Perkins finished with20 points, three rebounds and three assists in the Fuel Masters’ losing effort.

Larry Muyang had 15 points and six rebounds and Tyler Tio added 13 points for coach Jamike Jarin.

Import Du’vaughn Maxwell, however, was limited to only 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting with 10 rebound in 39 minutes on the floor.

In the second game, Barangay Ginebra humbled NorthPort, 115-100, for its third straight win.

Jamie Malonzo, Justin Brownlee, Nards Pinto and Jeremiah Gray combined for 84 points for the Gin Kings, who won despite playing minus Japeth Aguilar and Christian Standhardinger.

The win by Ginebra also spoiled the debut of new Northport import Kevin Murphy, who scored 38 points; and the return of Robert Bolick, finished with 30 points.

The scores:

First game

Magnolia (108) — Hester 28, Barroca 19, Abueva 18, Lee 14, Ahanmisi 12, Dela Rosa 6, Escoto 4, Wong 3, Jalalon 2, Laput 2, Corpuz 0, Reavis 0, Dionisio 0, Mendoza 0.
Phoenix (95) — Perkins 20, Muyang 15, Tio 13, Maxwell 11, Jazul 9, Serrano 8, Manganti 6, Alejandro 4, Soyud 3, Adamos 3, Go 3, Lalata 0, Garcia 0, Camacho 0
Quarterscores: 23-21, 58-36, 87-67, 108-95.

Second game

Ginebra (115 ). Malonzo 28, Brownlee 22, Pinto 18, Gray 16, Mariano 12, Pringle 5, Thompson 5, R.Aguilar 4, Onwubere 3, Pessumal 2, Tenorio 0, David 0.
NorthPort (100) – Murphy 38, Bolick 30, Munzon 12, Tolentino 7, Taha 4, Chan 3, Calma 2, Caperal 2, Dela Cruz 2, Ayaay 0, Salado 0, Zamar 0.
Quarterscores: 15-25, 51-50, 79-73, 115-100