Magnolia import Nick Rakocevic. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines-Magnolia got back on its feet on Sunday night after a 91-69 domination of Blackwater, staying on top of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Coming from a two-week break, the Hotshots looked every bit rejuvenated at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, besting the Bossing in every statistical department to rise to 6-1 in the midseason showcase.
Ian Sangalang led the attack with 17 points and seven rebounds while Serbian import Nick Rakocevic scored just as much while pulling down and 15 boards to help Magnolia rebound from a stinging loss to corporate sibling but fierce rival Barangay Ginebra last Oct. 23.
“Coach was saying galing kami sa talo. This was a bounce-back game. The guys responded. And I think the key here is we got back to our identity which was playing defense,” said Jason Webb, who stood in for the injured head coach Chito Victolero in the post-game presser.
Magnolia also drew double-digit contributions from Jio Jalalon and Jerrick Ahanmisi.
Ato Ular had 13 points while Trevis Jackson 10 off the bench for Blackwater. American reinforcement Cameron Krutwig was limited to just eight points as the Bossing slid to 3-6.
Magnolia hopes to get another streak going is resurgent Phoenix in a duel set on November 12 at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Skidding Blackwater, meanwhile, aims to arrest its three-game slide against desperate Meralco on November 11 also in Antipolo.