Hotshots lock down Aces, earn much-needed win

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ANTIPOLO — Magnolia delivered a sterling performance on both ends of the court to take down Alaska, 103-86, and return to the PBA Philippine Cup’s win column Saturday at Ynares Center here.

The Hotshots imposed their will on the defensive end, keeping the Aces under 20 points in the middle quarters. 

Ian Sanggalang and Paul Lee provided Magnolia’s one-two punch while Mark Barroca, Aldrech Ramos, Jio Jalalon and chimed in on the defensive effort.  

“Ynares has been very good to us,”  coach Chito Victolero jokingly said in Filipino. “Maybe this place is our lucky charm.”

“After the loss to Phoenix, I told the boys to adopt a playoff mentality. We didn’t have a sense of urgency,” he said as Magnolia improved to 2-4.  “Now it’s started.”

Sanggalang led Magnolia’s scorers with 24 points. Lee had 20 as Barroca added 19 more. 

The Hotshots accounted for 15 steals and seven blocks in a performance that saw them lead by as many as 21 points. 

Victolero, who is bracing for a tough stretch, pointed out that the optimism within the team has’t fizzled out. He noted that it was only the game against San Miguel Beer where they were soundly defeated.

“I have trust in my players that in situations like this, they start to step up and lock in,” he said.  “It’s not going to be easy, but hopefully, we’ll pull through.”

Alaska skipper Chris Banchero buoyed his team with 26 points, while Jeron Teng and Chris Exciminiano pumped in 17 and 13 markers, respectively. But those were the only double-digit production the Aces drew from their handicapped squad.

Alaska dropped to 3-3 in the all-Filipino tourney.

Magnolia will try to ride on the dominant showing when it goes up against Columbian while Alaska is set to take on struggling NLEX in the nightcap of Wednesday’s action at Araneta Coliseum.