Magnolia big man Ian Sangalang.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Magnolia vented its ire on Terrafirma behind a strong start and cruised to a 104-91 victory Wednesday and atone for its first defeat in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ian Sangalang led the charge with 18 points and nine rebounds as the Hotshots got back on winning track at 8-1 after absorbing their first defeat of the conference at the hands of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters over the weekend in Cagayan de Oro City.
It also put Magnolia on pace to snatch one of the four twice-to-beat spots at stake in the quarterfinals, with two to play in the eliminations.
Next up for Magnolia is tailender Converge on Saturday, with Calvin Abueva possibly making his season debut after his absence was delayed by a calf problem.
Magnolia import Tyler Bey.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Import Tyler Bey topscored with 25 points while adding 12 rebounds and seven assists to help Magnolia get the hold of solo leadership back after sharing that spot with Phoenix for a brief moment following the latter’s win over NorthPort in the first game.
The final score didn’t reflect how the game was dominated by Magnolia, which led by a high of 31 points.
Paul Lee dropped 16 points behind five triples while Jio Jalalon added 13 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals.
Terrafirma lost for the first straight time and dropped to 2-6 for joint ninth position with idle NLEX.
Juami Tiongson scored 17 points for the slumping Dyip, who have not won since Nov. 18 against NLEX at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The scores:
MAGNOLIA 104—Bey 25, Sangalang 18, Lee 16, Jalalon 13, Barroca 7, Dionisio 6, Reavis 4, Laput 4, Tratter 4, Dela Rosa 3, Corpuz 2, Murrell 2, Ahanmisi 0, Eriobu 0, Mendoza 0, Escoto 0.
TERRAFIRMA 91—Tiongson 17, Alolino 13, Holt 12, De Thaey 11, Gomez de Liano 11, Cahilig 7, Ramos 6, Sangalang 6, Mina 4, Go 2, Daquioag 2, Calvo 0, Camson 0, Miller 0, Carino 0.
Quarters: 29-16, 57-38, 91-60, 104-91.