MANILA, Philippines – Malonzo is anticipated to skip a few Ginebra games. After forward Jamie Malonzo was hurt with a few seconds remaining in the Kings’ 95-88 victory against Northport in the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday night at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Barangay Ginebra had to wait to play.

The giant 6-foot-7 Fil-Am athlete fell to the court in the game’s suspenseful final seconds, rocking the audience with his collapse. His friends from the Kings gathered around him as he lay there for what seemed like an eternity, their worry for their 27-year-old friend evident.

As the minutes passed, Sidney Onwubere and Raymond Aguilar helped him out of the floor with gentleness, demonstrating the strong camaraderie that exists among teammates.

Malonzo’s well-being became the main concern despite his excellent performance of 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in Ginebra’s straight victory. In an update, coach Tim Cone said he wasn’t sure how serious Malonzo’s condition was.

UNCERTAINTY: “We’re not sure what it is yet,” Cone said during the press conference following the game. “He couldn’t put weight on his leg, so we need to evaluate him further. Hopefully, it’s not too serious, but we’ll have to wait and see.”

With the help of his teammates, Malonzo hobbled out of the Ginebra dugout on his trip to the hospital, his resolve unwavering even in the face of doubt.

Cone stated that it may be a calf or Achilles problem without drawing too dire a picture of the Fil-Am’s health.

He remarked, “But since I’m not a doctor, I don’t want to make a prognosis.”

It is evident, though, that Cone believes Malonzo may be grounded for the upcoming few days.

He could be absent for a few days at this time; ideally, his absence won’t last for several weeks or months. Cone, a pillar of Gilas Pilipinas, remarked, “We can’t afford to lose him.”

The Kings’ next matchup with the TNT Tropang Giga is scheduled for Friday night at the Philsports Arena.

This while Magnolia defeats Phoenix with a bench mob led by Barroca and Sangalang.

Veteran players Mark Barroca and Ian Sangalang ignited the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, leading Magnolia to a 107-93 victory against Phoenix off the bench.

In addition to his 27 points, four assists, one steal, and one rebound, Barroca equaled his career high. The seasoned big man had previously finished the game against NorthPort with 23 points, nine boards, five assists, and one block.

Just two days after a close victory over Converge, the Fuel Masters slumped to 2-5, while the Hotshots have already won their last two games to advance to 3-2. 

With a three-pointer from Barroca late in the game, Magnolia extended their lead from two points at the conclusion of the third quarter, 79-77, to an 18-point advantage late in the fourth quarter, 105-87. 

Before then, RJ Jazul’s three-pointer gave Phoenix a 60-49 lead early in the second half, and the Hotshots had to overcome a double-digit deficit.

Phoenix was led by Jazul, who finished with 21 points, five assists, and one rebound. Jason Perkins and Ken Tuffin each added 17 and 16 points.

Jazul paced Phoenix with 21 points, five assists, and one rebound while Ken Tuffin and Jason Perkins chipped in 17 and 16 markers apiece. 

Scores at the end of the match

Magnolia with 107 points for the win

Individual scores:  Barroca 27, Sangalang 23, Jalalon 13, Eriobu 11, Tratter 8, Dionisio 7, Lee 7, Abueva 6, Balanza 2, Mendoza 2, Reavis 1, Escoto 0, Laput 0.

Phoenix with 93 points

Individual scores:  Jazul 21, Tuffin 17, Perkins 16, Mocon 11, Salado 8, Verano 8, Alejandro 6, Rivero 6, Muyang 0, Camacho 0, Daves 0, Lalata 0.

Scores per quarter

28-18, 47-57, 79-77, 107-93