The Magnolia Hotshots, runner-up in the previous conference, opened their PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup campaign on a high note as they ripped the winless Converge FiberXers on Saturday, March 16.
Magnolia did not look like it skipped a beat as it blasted Converge, 106-75, for a rousing PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup debut on Saturday, March 16.
Ian Sangalang led the Hotshots with 17 points and three rebounds, while Calvin Abueva put up 14 points and eight boards.
Jio Jalalon also had an all-around outing with 14 points, seven assists, five steals and three boards on his way to taking the Player of the Game recognition.
Mark Barroca added 12 points.
Magnolia used a strong second quarter to build a comfortable 53-39 cushion at the break en route to the dominant finish that kept the FiberXers winless in five matches.
Converge hardly had any resistance in the second half, with the Hotshots even making it a 27-point game, 86-59, after sinking a pair of charities early in the fourth period.
Magnolia went on with their annihilation as they further widened the gap on a layup by Abu Tratter for a 33-point spread, 98-65, with nearly six minutes left in the match.
“It’s a good start for us. As long as we start strong, at least, we have a good chance,” said Hotshots coach Chito Victolero.
Justin Arana posted 17 points, six rebounds, and two assists to pace the beleaguered Converge. Alec Stockton and Bryan Santos added 15 and 13 markers, respectively.
Magnolia vs Converge Scores:
MAGNOLIA 106 – Sangalang 17, Jalalon 14, Abueva 14, Barroca 12, Dela Rosa 8, Tartter 8, Lee 7, Laput 6, Ahanmisi 5, Escoto 4, Eriobu 3, Dionisio 2, Corpuz 2, Mendoza 0.
CONVERGE 75 – Arana 17, Stockton 15, Santos 13, Caralipio 8, Winston 8, Delos Santos 6, Maagdenberg 3, Fornilos 2, Nieto 2, Balanza 1, Fleming 0, Andrade 0, Melecio 0, Ambohot 0, Zaldivar 0.
Quarterscores: 24-20, 53-39, 79-59, 106-75