Mark Barroca, the PBA’s Modern Day Iron Man, is not just focused on continuously playing in Asia’s pioneering professional league just to keep his streak of games played going.
A member of the league’s last grand slam team, San Mig Coffee of this old Purefoods franchise, Barroca is much more concerned about winning games and restoring the legacy of the Magnolia squad and on Wednesday, the grizzled veteran proved to all and sundry that he can still do it just like the old times.
His two jumpers in the extra period allowed the Hotshots in completing a tense 98-95 victory over San Miguel as Magnolia stayed unbeaten after three games.
At this latter stretch of his career, Barroca had proven that he remains serviceable and can still make key contributions when needed.
Barroca delivered the big baskets down the stretch, but all game long, young Zav Lucero was able to dominate in the front court battle as the former University of the Philippines stalwart pumped in 24 points.
Another future of the team, Jerom Lastimosa, also stepped up big and knocked in 21 points to go along with five assits even as Calvin Abueva had a double-double game of 11 points and 10 boards for the Hotshots, who held San Miguel to only 38% shooting from the field (32-of-84).
