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The Magnolia Hotshots thwarted a late rally at NorthPort Batang Pier for an 83-76 victory, extending their winning streak to five games at the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena.
Ian Sanggalang did the heavy lifting for his squad, adding 23 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Paul Lee had a quiet 14-point night on 4-of-13 shooting, but contributed six rebounds and eight assists. Magnolia also had significant contributions from the Jackson Corpuz trio, Rome Dela Rosa and Aris Dionisio, who scored 10 each.
“There was a time when we considered taking Ian out because of his injury,” Magnolia coach Chito Victolero said in Filipino. “But he said himself that he was going to fight. I’m very happy and proud of Ian because the boy has an incredible heart.”
Magnolia was in control early in the quarter with a 20-point lead. However, the brave Batang Pier squad made a furious comeback and played like they had nothing to lose as they had been eliminated from playoff contention. After cutting the deficit to 80-63, NorthPort followed a 13-0 streak led by Sean Manganti and Kevin Ferrer, who hit a booming 3-pointer to turn it into a 4-point game with less than three minutes remaining.
But the Hotshots were able to hold on thanks to defensive saves and Sanggalang, who scored a bucket and a free throw in the dying moments.
“It’s tough to face an opponent who has nothing to lose because there is no pressure,” Victolero said. “It’s tough for the players. Like I said, from the bench, we have to be ready. We lost our energy, it happens, because they thought the game was over. Fortunately, I have veterans who know how to finish the game.”
Christian Standhardinger, fresh out of his career against Alaska, had a double-double of 18 points and 17 rebounds and Kevin Ferrer also added 18 points, anchored by four triples.
After losing four of his first five games, Magnolia won his last five for a 6-4 record. NorthPort continued to slide down the standings with a 1-8 card, losing its last four outings.
THE SCORES
MAGNOLIA 83 – Sangalang 23, Lee 14, Corpuz 10, Dela Rosa 10, Dionisio 10, Jalalon 6, Calisaan 4, Barroca 4, Banchero 2, Melton 0, Reavis 0
NORTHPORT 76 – Standhardinger 18, Ferrer 18, Cruz 8, Nabong 8, Elorde 7, Manganti 6, Subido 5, Revilla 3, Taha 3, Guinto 0, Lanete 0
Quarters: 24-15, 42-36, 70-56, 83-76
ADDITIONAL JARS
NorthPort was eliminated from playoff contention due to Rain or Shine’s victory earlier in the day.
Magnolia bank edged NorthPort, 57-27
NEXT GAMES
Magnolia vs Blackwater Elite, 4:00 pm on November 11
NorthPort vs San Miguel Beermen, 6:45 pm on November 10
