Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia’s defense was at its best when it mattered, as it held off a hard-fighting Columbian, 110-103, in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Sunday at Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
“Our defense was clunky at first. Weren’t as solid as we usually are. Good thing in the second half, we did a much better job,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero in Filipino.
“Slowly but surely. This prepares us for the tough teams we’re about to face,” he added, as his charges improved to 2-2.
James Farr and Ian Sangalang paced the Hotshots in scoring with 22 points each. Paul Lee had 21 off the bench while Jio Jalalon tossed in 17 more.
The Dyip turned to Lester Prosper, who led the team with 26 points and 14 boards. Four more from the local cast added double-digit performances to give Columbian a fighting chance down the stretch.
Sangalang and Farr, however, were just too much on the defensive end as the Hotshots held on.
Magnolia goes up against Phoenix Fuel next on Saturday at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay.
Columbian, meanwhile, plunges into a series of character-testing games beginning with a duel against red-hot TNT on Friday.
The scores:
Magnolia 110 – Farr 22, Sangalang 22, Lee 21, Jalalon 17, Barroca 9, Brondial 8, Melton 3, Herndon 2, Dela Rosa 2, Ramos 2, Pascual 0.
Columbian 103 – Prosper 26, Perez 18, McCarthy 11, Corpuz 10, Calvo 6, Escoto 4, Celda 4, Cahilig 3, Camson 3, Reyes 2, King 2, Faundo 0.
Quarterscores: 34-28, 52-52, 85-74, 110-103