Magnolia Hotshots defeated NorthPort for a fifth consecutive PBA victory

MAGNOLIA leaned on Ian Sangalang to extend its winning streak to five by containing NorthPort, 83-76, Sunday in the PBA Philippines Cup bubble at the University of Angeles Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.

Sangalang scored 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds as the Hotshots rose to 6-4 (win-loss), joining Alaska and Meralco in fourth place and hitting a clear shot on one of four points twice to beat in the round quarter-final.

NorthPort, already out of contention for a spot in the quarterfinals even for the game, fell to a 1-8 win-loss record in a frustrating bubble campaign weighed down by a spearhead injury Sean Anthony .

PHOTO: PBA Images

Magnolia looked elegant despite playing for days in a row. The Hotshots were victorious against Rain or Shine, thanks to the heroism of Paul Lee.

“I’m very happy and very proud of na ‘yung consecutively [games], we won. Even if it’s one point or 30 points, I’ll take it as long as I win, ”said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.

This time it was Sangalang’s turn to lead Magnolia.

The Hotshots center, finally free from the injuries that plagued him at the beginning of the bubble, was active early, scoring 10 points in the first half that had his team ahead, 42-36.

Sangalang’s three-point play also capped a six-point start to fourth, taking Magnolia’s lead to 20 points, 76-56.

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Magnolia, however, still had to endure a 13-0 streak at NorthPort that reduced the deficit to 80-76. The Hotshots went to Sangalang, who converted a layup with 2:06 left in the game to turn off the cold water on the return from Batang Pier.

Lee had a solid start as a facilitator with 14 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Jackson Corpuz, Rome Dela Rosa and rookie Aris Dionisio each scored 10 points.

Christian Standhardinger and Kevin Ferrer each scored 18 points in Batang Pier’s fourth straight loss.

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, Taha 3, Revilla 3, Lanete 0, Guinto 0.

Quarters: 24-15; 42-36; 70-56; 83-76.