PBA: Magnolia ends two-game skid after turning back NorthPort

Magnolia Hotshots’ Ian Sanggalang in the PBA Philippine Cup. -PBA IMAGES

Magnolia got itself back on the winning track after arresting a two-game skid by defeating NorthPort, 104-97, Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Ian Sangalang scored a career-high 32 points which he did coming off the bench as the Hotshots improved to 2-2 following a difficult stretch that saw them lose to Barangay Ginebra and NLEX Road Warriors.

Sangalang also grabbed nine rebounds in a performance that once again epitomized his steady return to old form after missing last season’s Governors’ Cup due to a thyroid issue.

READ: PBA: Magnolia’s Fit-again Ian Sangalang back to a happy place

Paul Lee, Jerrick Ahanmisi and Mark Barroca, playing despite an injured shooting hand, also played key roles as Magnolia snapped NorthPort’s streak of four consecutive victories.

Lee dropped 13 despite a 3-of-10 shooting, Ahanmisi also scored 13 while Barroca added 12 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists and five steals.

Calvin Abueva returned from a one-game suspension and posted six points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and three steals for the Hotshots.

READ: PBA: Robert Bolick powers NLEX past Magnolia

NorthPort fell to 4-2 but maintained its spot at third in the standings.

Rookie Zavier Lucero had 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks for the Batang Pier in the loss.

A seesaw first half had Magnolia leading big, then trailing NorthPort in the second before a late surge allowed the Hotshots to take a 46-45 halftime lead.

PBA SCORES

MAGNOLIA 104—Sangalang 32, Laput 14, Ahanmisi 13, Lee 13, Barroca 12, Mendoza 7, Abueva 6, Eriobu 3, Escoto 2, Tratter 1, Jalalon 1, Murrell 0.

NORTHPORT 97—Lucero 18, Yu 15, Tolentino 14, Munzon 11, Zamar 9, Navarro 9, Rosales 8, Paraiso 8, Flores 5, Calma 0, Adamos 0, Bulanadi 0.

Quarters: 23-22, 46-45, 78-73, 104-97.