PBA: Magnolia bounces back with rout of NorthPort

MANILA, Philippines–Magnolia used a massive second quarter and used it as cushion the rest of the way to overpower NorthPort, 96-80, and get its title-retention bid back on track in the nightcap of Friday’s PBA Governors’ Cup games at the Big Dome.

Ian Sangalang delivered 28 big points off the bench to lead the charge, while import  Romeo Travis added 17 and Mark Barroca 16 points in the Hotshots’ entry into the Governors’ Cup win column.

“We just learned a lot from our first game,” Magnolia mentor Chito Victolero told reporters, lauding his charges’ steady performance that began in the second frame where they broke away for 22 points.

“Whatever we experienced in the [conference-opener], we brought to tonight’s game,” he added.

Mychal Ammons and Kevin Ferrer both had 18 points for the BatangPier, but couldn’t get help the team regain their bearings when it mattered most.

Magnolia’s return to winning form gives the blue-collar squad and their foes an identical 1-1 card.

The reigning conference champions take on Rain or Shine next, while NorthPort seeks to bounce back against Columbian in matches both slated for next week.