Jerom Lastimosa holds head high after Magnolia exit

Magnolia Hotshots’ Jerom Lastimosa during a game vs Meralco Bolts in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals. –PBA IMAGES

ANTIPOLO—Jerom Lastimosa had nothing but pride despite Magnolia’s exit from the PBA Commissioner’s Cup in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

Even after a heartbreaking 105-102 overtime loss to Meralco in the quarterfinals at Ynares Sports Center here, Lastimosa kept his head high.

“I’m still super proud of what we achieved, especially in this game,” he told the Inquirer.

“We lost an import in the end but we fought, we didn’t just surrender. I’m very proud of us, especially with me because we fought the right way.”

Import Clint Chapman fouled out with four minutes left in regulation, but Magnolia still managed to push the Bolts to the limit.

Lastimosa played a key role in the fourth quarter as the Hotshots forced overtime, though he also committed costly mistakes down the stretch.

He finished with 28 points, four rebounds and two assists. Chapman, meanwhile, had 26 points and four rebounds.

Despite failing to advance to the semifinals, Lastimosa was proud of the Hotshots’ resurgence in the elimination round, where he was one of the main factors, along with Chapman.

After a slow start at 0-3, Magnolia ended up as the fifth seed with a 7-5 record. It was dealt with a twice to beat advantage in the playoffs, but was able to force a do-or-die game.

“We just learned from our mistakes in the first games. We started 0-3, then Chapman came into the team and I guess his impact really showed,” Lastimosa said.

“He’s the reason why we got to this situation. I’m proud of him and what we achieved.”