Hotshots hold off Beermen for 2-1 series lead

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MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia clamped down on the defensive end to shut down San MIguel Beer, 86-82, and take a 2-1 series lead in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup Finals Sunday night at Araneta Coliseum.

Mark Barroca and Ian Sangalang came through for the Hotshots in the crucial moments to fend off the Beermen’s fourth quarter fightback.

Barroca finished with a game-high 22 points, including four free throws in the last 15 seconds, while Sangalang notched a double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds.

“It’s all about the mental toughness and maturity of this team. it’s a big win for us. Hopefully, we can sustain that on Wednesday,” Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero told reporters.

Rafi Reavis also posted a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds for Magnolia, which shoots for a commanding 3-1 advantage Wednesday night.

“We still have a lot more to show. The important thing for us is to stick to our identity. We have to continue and play within our strengths which is our defense,” Victolero said.

That’s exactly what the Hotshots did as they smothered the Beermen from the opening tip.

And just like in Magnolia’s 99-94 win in the finals opener, San Miguel Beer struggled to make shots.

The Beermen shot just 33 percent from the field. Even the usually efficient June Mar Fajardo had a hard time offensively, missing seven of his 11 attempts from the field. He had 17 points and 14 rebounds but also committed six turnovers with Reavis and Sangalang hounding him all game.