The Magnolia Hotshots drew a stellar game from Ian Sangalang in their second straight win against the Converge FiberXers in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
While he was hailed Player of the Game, Ian Sangalang deflected credit to two teammates in Magnolia's 83-71 win over Converge in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Wednesday, April 9.
Sangalang had to thank fellow big men Zavier Lucero and Russel Escoto who allowed him to navigate the paint with ease on his way to 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists.
Escoto set the tone for the Hotshots with 11 points in the first 24 minutes of action, while Lucero did his part in the fourth period, firing 17 of his 18 points there.
“Sobrang thankful ako sa dalawang 'yon. 'Yong laro nila, lumalabas, so lumuluwag ako sa ilalim. Kaya ganito ang laro ko kasi nakabutas si Russel, nakabutas si Zavier,” said Sangalang after the match at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
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Magnolia pulled away late, getting their first double-digit lead with 3:22 remaining on Rome dela Rosa’s basket, 76-65.
Dela Rosa would sink a triple inside the final minute to put the game away for good, 81-69.
The Hotshots thus improved to 2-0, sustaining their hot start after beating Blackwater four days ago.
Russel Escoto of the Magnolia Hotshots | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Justin Arana paced the FiberXers with a double-double game of 14 points and the same number of rebounds. He also had three assists.
Schonny Winston added 14 markers, five boards, three dimes, and two steals, while Justine Baltazar had 11 points and 13 rebounds.
Converge, winner in its previous match against Phoenix, slid back to the losing column with its 1-2 mark.
Magnolia vs Converge Scores
MAGNOLIA 83 – Sangalang 18, Lucero 18, Escoto 11, Dela Rosa 9, Abueva 8, Laput 4, Barroca 4, Alfaro 4, Lee 3, Lastimosa 2, Dionisio 2, Reavis 0, Eriobu 0.
CONVERGE 71 – Winston 14, Arana 14, Baltazar 11, Racal 11, Stockton 8, B.Santos 4, Garcia 4, Corpuz 3, Delos Santos 2, Garcia 2, Ambohot 0, Nermal 0, Santos 0, Fleming 0, Caralipio 0.
Quarterscores: 14-16, 36-33,59-56, 83-71