Clint Chapman powers Magnolia’s bounce-back as Hotshots take advantage of import-less Beermen

Still reeling from a tough loss, the Hotshots found clarity and rhythm at the perfect time, riding an inspired performance from import Clint Chapman to dismantle San Miguel, 120-101, in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

What could have been a tricky matchup turned into an opportunity seized. With San Miguel missing its import Justin Patton, Magnolia leaned into Chapman and delivered his most complete game yet.

The 6-foot-10 reinforcement erupted for 34 points, alongside six rebounds and two assists, steering Magnolia to a much-needed lift in the standings at 3-4. 

While Chapman anchored the charge, Magnolia’s cohesion told the bigger story. The Hotshots moved the ball with purpose, piling up 36 assists while knocking down 10 of 19 attempts from beyond the arc. 

Their defensive pressure also proved decisive, turning 13 San Miguel turnovers into 24 points.

San Miguel, playing all-Filipino without Patton—who had missed practices following their loss to Rain or Shine, leaned on Cjay Perez to carry the scoring load. 

He responded with 23 points, while Mo Tautuaa and Jericho Cruz chipped in 13 apiece. But the Beermen struggled to match Magnolia’s balance and pace.

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Clint Chapman is the Daily Fantasy best player of the game.#PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/7nIiXxGmUm

— PBA (@pbaconnect) April 12, 2026

Even Magnolia head coach LA Tenorio admitted the unexpected nature of San Miguel’s lineup shift caught them off guard, but not unprepared.

“I told them that this team (San Miguel) is dangerous without an import. They are the all-Filipino champions for a reason. I challenged them kasi mas nakakatakot kalaban San Miguel kapag all-Fiipino,” Tenorio said.

That mindset translated into execution. Supporting Chapman, the trio of Jerrick Ahanmisi, Zavier Lucero, and Ian Sangalang combined for 36 points, ensuring the Hotshots never lost control.

Tenorio also emphasized growth through adversity, pointing to how the team responded after their previous defeat.

“I keep on challenging them every practice, and sometimes the things I say to them are tough to hear, but it’s for us to grow as a team. Tonight, I have to give credit to my players after a tough loss last Friday, and that’s what we needed,” Tenorio added.

With momentum back on their side, Magnolia now looks to string together wins as it prepares to face the struggling Converge FiberXers on April 19 at Ynares Center in Antipolo.

San Miguel, meanwhile, heads into its next assignment searching for answers as it braces for a tough test against the NLEX Road Warriors, hoping to halt its early skid.

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