Magnolia makes it 5 in a row, tops NorthPort

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MANILA, Philippines — Magnolia staved off a late rally by NorthPort, 83-76, to extend its winning streak in the PBA Philippine Cup Sunday at AUF Sports Arena & Cultural Center in Angeles, Pampanga.

With Paul Lee having an off night, Ian Sangalang stepped up with a near double-double effort of 23 points and nine rebounds as the Hotshots stretched their run to five games.

Magnolia led by as high as 20, 76-56, after a three-point play by Sangalang with 10:56 remaining.

But the Batang Pier didn’t go quietly into the night and pulled to within four, 80-76, after a triple by Kevin Ferrer with still 2:59 left.

Sangalang, though, came through for the Hotshots, scoring his team’s last three points in the final two minutes and 12 seconds.

Lee, who was coming off a 31-point performance in a victory over Rain or Shine on Saturday, only had 14 on 4-of-13 shooting from the field but did collect six rebounds and eight assists.

The Hotshots moved into a three-way tie in fourth place with Meralco and Alaska at 6-4.

Christian Standhardinger posted 18 points and 17 rebounds while Ferrer also scored 18 for the Batang Pier, who absorbed their fourth consecutive setback and fell to 1-8.