For Peter Alfaro, it was his dream.

Running up and down the Zamboanga City Coliseum floor during Magnolia’s PBA Philippine Cup provincial sortie versus Phoenix a week ago felt unreal to Alfaro, who learned the game from the same playing court growing up.

The Magnolia rookie said that it reminded him of his early years, when their father, Pedro Alfaro, a former PBA player, would train him and his siblings.

“Dream come true especially na knowing dun ako naglaro, dun ako lumaki, dun ako tinuturuan ng dad ko,” Alfaro stated.

The nearly three-decade-old arena, now known as the Mayor Vitaliano Agan Coliseum, was conveniently located near the Alfaro residence.

“Nung bata ako, kami ng dad ko tsaka nung mga kapatid ko, we usually go there for ‘extra.’ Nag-e-extra work kami doon usually madaling araw,” remembered the guard, who is 26 years old and whose family owns the well-known Alavar Seafood Restaurant.

The whole Alfaro family was present, of course, and saw Peter play as Magnolia defeated Phoenix 118-99.

“Full circle moment kasi papa ko naglaro nung 1975 tapos ngayon 50 years na yung PBA tapos ako ang nandito rookie. So lahat ng blessing pumapasok kaya nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord,” said Alfaro.

In the victory over the dreadful Dyip, the youngster from San Beda played about twenty minutes and concluded with six points on two three-pointers.

A unique experience

Alfaro, who attended the adjacent Ateneo de Zamboanga for high school, said, “Rare experience that you’re playing in front of my family, yung roots ko. Sobrang surreal lang ng moment na nakita ko yung family ko nandun, yung lola ko nandun,” 

The player remained a member of Magnolia’s starting lineup as the team easily defeated Terrafirma, 127-94, on Sunday, earning its fifth consecutive victory under coach Chito Victolero.

He finished as the backup to veteran guard Mark Barroca, another Zamboangueno, with six points, four rebounds, and six assists.

Meanwhile, at the Ynares Center on Sunday, Magnolia defeated Terrafirma 127-94 to maintain their perfect record in the PBA Philippine Cup.

In the first quarter, the Hotshots and Dyip were even, but Magnolia’s conclusive 23-0 thumping of the unfortunate Dyip in the second period marked the beginning of the end for them.

Magnolia already had a 28-point lead at the half.

The game is over.

Magnolia, the only club still undefeated in the rankings, recorded its sixth consecutive victory, led by Zav Lucero’s 17 points.

According to PBA head statistician Fidel Mangonon III, Magnolia’s 23-0 run in a five-minute stretch is an all-time franchise high. Paul Lee (13), Jerrick Ahanmisi (11) and Joseph Eriobu were the other players to finish in double figures.

Magnolia’s longest run was 20-0 in 2011, when they defeated Rain or Shine, 102-100, while still using the B-Meg brand.

Late in the second quarter, Victolero was able to field 15 Magnolia players, all of whom scored, when the Hotshots had a 65-32 lead.

The Dyip dropped to a 1-4 record after suffering their fourth consecutive defeat. In their last four games, they have lost by an average of 28.5 points.

Louie Sangalang, a sophomore big man who finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, nearly triple-doubled, but the loss negated that accomplishment.

The Scores

Magnolia 127 – Lucero 17, Lee 13, Ahanmisi 11, Eriobu 11, Laput 9, Abueva 8, Lastimosa 8, Sangalang 8, Dela Rosa 8, Balanza 8, Barroca 7, Alfaro 6, Escoto 6, Reavis 4, Dionisio 3.

Terrafirma 94 – Sangalang 19, Pringle 17, Ferrer 17, Olivario 8, Melecio 7, Ramos 7, Hernandez 6, Catapusan 6, Nonoy 4, Zaldivar 3, Hanapi 0.

Quarter scores: 27-25; 65-37; 91-63; 127-94.