Despite defeating Magnolia in their PBA Philippine Cup match on Sunday, BARANGAY Ginebra anticipates a more challenging opponent in the postseason, particularly with William Navarro joining the Hotshots.

Navarro, who was obtained in a trade with NorthPort in return for Calvin Abueva, Jerrick Balanza, and Magnolia’s 51st Season second-round draft pick, was a significant upgrade for the Hotshots, according to Gin Kings head coach Tim Cone.

“Magnolia is great,” Cone said. “They are going to be better even when Navarro settles in on their team.”

“He is not quite settled there yet. But when he gets settled, they are going to be really, really tough to handle in the playoffs. Tonight, we really beat a tough team.”

Ginebra overcame a 10-point deficit to overcome Magnolia, 85-81, on Sunday. Navarro, who finished with five points and four rebounds in his Hotshots debut, made a three-pointer to give the team the lead early in the fourth quarter, 71-61.

If both Ginebra and Magnolia advance to the semifinals, they may find themselves in the same bracket and headed for a clash. The Hotshots are tied with NLEX at the top of the standings with 7-2 records, while the Gin Kings are now at No. 4 with a 6-3 slate.

Although it was Navarro’s first game with Magnolia, Ginebra had played him several times with NorthPort in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals of the previous conference, thus they are familiar with him going into the game.

According to Cone, it will undoubtedly take time to integrate a talent like Navarro.

The veteran Coach also added, “They are still trying to search that out. I think they are trying to figure out where he fits. That’s basically what you do when you bring somebody in who’s really talented. It’s hard to figure out exactly where he fits right away because you want to use all of his skills; they will figure it out, and they will be better with it, no doubt.

Ginebra defeats league leader Magnolia by playing defense.

The Hotshots were outscored, 29–15, in the last quarter after failing to score in the closing minutes. They suffered just their second defeat in nine games, which is good for a tie with NLEX, as Paul Lee missed a four-point attempt.

Malonzo scored 11 points and pulled down five rebounds after coming off the bench. With 1:22 minutes remaining, his game-winning three-pointer put Ginebra ahead 85-79.

Ginebra lost to Meralco 82-73 last Friday after failing to pull off a late Bolts comeback, and the victory came just two days later.

For the Gin Kings, Holt scored 14 points and pulled down seven rebounds, Rosario contributed 15 points, while Japeth Aguilar finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Magnolia, which has now dropped two of its previous three games, scored 16 points apiece from Ian Sangalang and Zavier Lucero.

William Navarro, who was acquired in a trade with NorthPort for Calvin Abueva, Jerrick Balanza, and a future draft pick, likewise had his Magnolia debut marred by the loss. His final stats were four rebounds and five points.

Before Ginebra attempted a comeback, Magnolia had a 71-61 lead thanks to Navarro’s game-ending three-pointer.

The Scores

Barangay Ginebra 85 –  J. Aguilar 17, Rosario 15, Holt 14, Malonzo 11, Abarrientos 10, David 5, Thompson 5, Adamos 4, Pinto 4, Gray 0.

Magnolia 81 – Lucero 16, Sangalang 16, Laput 9, Barroca 9, Lastimosa 8, Lee 6, Navarro 5, Dela Rosa 5, Alfaro 4, Dionisio 3.

Quarter scores: 22-24; 44-39; 59-68; 85-81.