Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots are officially gaining momentum in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.
Playing at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Magnolia secured its second consecutive victory after overpowering the Meralco Bolts, 105-88, on Friday night. The win followed their impressive 88-73 victory over Barangay Ginebra, giving the Hotshots a much-needed mini run after a slow start to the conference.
With the victory, Magnolia improved to 3-3 and strengthened its position inside the Magic 4 of Group B, while Meralco dropped to 2-5 after suffering its fourth straight defeat.
Leading Magnolia’s charge was veteran big man Ian Sangalang, who delivered a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds to earn Player of the Game honors.
Ian Sangalang Leads Magnolia’s Charge
Sangalang provided Magnolia with a steady presence inside throughout the contest.
The veteran forward finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds, helping the Hotshots control the boards and maintain their composure during a game filled with momentum swings.
Sangalang became particularly important during Magnolia’s decisive fourth-quarter run. Together with Jerom Lastimosa, he helped ignite the Hotshots’ offense as they pulled away from the Bolts.
Lastimosa finished with 17 points, while Sangalang’s double-double gave Magnolia the interior production it needed.
“Sobrang tagal talaga ng delay, parang natuyo na kami. Pinag-usapan namin na kailangang buhayin namin sarili namin going to the fourth. Pinush talaga namin sarili namin kasi gusto naming manalo talaga,” Sangalang said after the game.
Meralco Controls the Opening Half
The Bolts came out aggressively at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, taking advantage of Magnolia’s slow start.
Meralco won the opening quarter, 29-22, and maintained its advantage heading into halftime.
Magnolia, however, refused to let the deficit grow.
The Hotshots gradually chipped away at Meralco’s lead and entered the halftime break trailing by only one point, 48-47.
That narrow margin set up a competitive second half as both teams battled for control.
Magnolia Flips the Game in the Third Quarter
The Hotshots began making their move in the third period.
Magnolia battled back throughout the quarter before unleashing an 8-0 run to close the frame. The surge allowed the Hotshots to take a slim 71-70 lead heading into the fourth.
Just when Magnolia appeared to have seized momentum, however, the game was interrupted.
Heavy rains caused a leak on the roof of the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with water spilling onto a portion of the court. Play was subsequently stopped for nearly 40 minutes before the fourth quarter could resume.
The lengthy interruption presented another challenge for Magnolia.
Instead of losing its rhythm, the Hotshots came back with even greater intensity.
Hotshots Explode After 40-Minute Delay
Magnolia immediately made its intentions clear when play resumed.
The Hotshots opened the fourth quarter with a blistering 19-4 run, transforming their one-point advantage into a commanding 90-75 lead.
From there, Magnolia never looked back.
The Hotshots continued to pressure Meralco defensively while finding open opportunities on offense. Magnolia eventually outscored the Bolts 34-18 in the fourth quarter, turning a close game into a convincing 105-88 victory.
Head coach LA Tenorio praised his players for maintaining their focus despite the long interruption.
“I reminded them whoever comes out of this long break na aggressive, whoever gets momentum through (defensive) stops, may malaking chance ma makuha ang laro,” Tenorio said.
Tenorio admitted he was initially concerned that the stoppage would disrupt Magnolia’s momentum.
“I was actually worried because we had a good run at the end of third and all of a sudden, nag-stop. Akala ko our momentum will also stop, but my players responded, not only in the fourth quarter (play resumption) but the entire game,” he added.
COURTESY: PBA OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Buffen, Lastimosa and Sangalang Provide the Offense
While Sangalang earned Player of the Game honors, Magnolia received contributions from several players.
KJ Buffen led all Magnolia scorers with 27 points, providing a major offensive spark throughout the contest.
Jerom Lastimosa added 17 points, while Ian Sangalang posted his 16-point, 10-rebound double-double.
Zav Lucero chipped in 10 points, while Andrada scored eight. Lee, Dela Rosa and Barroca each contributed seven points.
The balanced attack allowed Magnolia to withstand Meralco’s strong start and eventually take complete control in the final period.
Hester Leads Meralco
Meralco was paced by Antonio Hester, who finished with 24 points.
Jason Brickman contributed 19 points, knocking down 5-of-9 attempts from three-point range in his first appearance after missing two games due to flu.
Chris Newsome added 17 points, while CJ Cansino finished with 15.
Despite four players scoring at least 15 points, Meralco could not keep up with Magnolia’s fourth-quarter explosion.
The loss dropped the Bolts to 2-5 and extended their losing streak to four games.
Magnolia Strengthens Playoff Position
The victory at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium moved Magnolia to 3-3 in the Governors’ Cup.
The Hotshots are now tied with Blackwater (3-3) for third and fourth in Group B, behind league leaders Rain or Shine (4-2) and Phoenix (4-2).
Magnolia also remains ahead of Barangay Ginebra (2-3) and Meralco (2-5).
After beginning the conference with only one victory in their first four games, Magnolia has suddenly found its rhythm.
Back-to-back wins over Ginebra and Meralco have placed the Hotshots firmly back in the playoff conversation.
Final Score
MAGNOLIA 105 — Buffen 27, Lastimosa 17, Sangalang 16, Lucero 10, Andrada 8, Lee 7, Dela Rosa 7, Barroca 7, Alfaro 4, Jopia 2, Koon 0
MERALCO 88 — Hester 24, Brickman 19, Newsome 17, Cansino 15, Black 6, Quinto 3, Hodge 2, Banchero 2, Bates 0, Mocon 0, Rios 0
Quarter Scores: 22-29, 47-48, 71-70, 105-88
Venue: Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila
Player of the Game: Ian Sangalang
Ian Sangalang — 16 points, 10 rebounds
Sangalang’s double-double performance proved crucial in Magnolia’s comeback victory. His production inside and dominance on the boards helped the Hotshots overcome Meralco’s early advantage and finish strongly despite the lengthy rain delay.
With two straight victories now under their belt, Magnolia is beginning to look like a serious contender for a playoff spot in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.
