MANILA, Philippines — Ian Sangalang delivered a veteran performance to help the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots secure their first victory of the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup, defeating the Meralco Bolts, 112-98, on Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
While import KJ Buffen stuffed the stat sheet, it was Ian Sangalang who anchored Magnolia on both ends of the floor, earning Player of the Game honors after providing timely baskets, interior defense, and leadership that steadied the Hotshots throughout the contest.
The victory snapped Magnolia’s two-game losing streak after opening the conference with defeats against Phoenix and Blackwater. The Hotshots improved to 1-2 in Group B, while Meralco dropped to 2-2.
Ian Sangalang Sets the Tone Early
From the opening quarter, Ian Sangalang established his presence in the paint.
The veteran center consistently punished Meralco’s interior defense with his polished post moves while creating second-chance opportunities through aggressive rebounding. His ability to control the tempo inside allowed Magnolia’s perimeter players to find open looks as the Hotshots built an early advantage.
Magnolia raced to a 31-20 lead after the opening period, capitalizing on crisp ball movement and efficient shooting.
Although Meralco responded in the second quarter behind the strong play of import Antonio Hester, Ian Sangalang continued to provide stability whenever the Bolts threatened to swing the momentum.
His calm approach and smart decision-making helped Magnolia carry a 60-55 lead into halftime.
COURTESY: GMA NETWORK
Meralco Fights Back
The Bolts refused to back down after the break.
Hester repeatedly attacked the basket and knocked down key mid-range jumpers, while CJ Cansino, Bong Quinto, and Aaron Black chipped in valuable points to keep Meralco within striking distance.
Despite Meralco’s rally, Ian Sangalang answered with crucial baskets inside, preventing Magnolia from surrendering the lead.
Every time the Bolts appeared ready to seize control, the veteran big man delivered another timely play, whether through a strong finish around the rim, a defensive stop, or an offensive rebound.
By the end of the third quarter, Magnolia still held an 84-77 advantage, setting up a crucial final period.
Magnolia Takes Over in the Fourth
With Meralco still within striking distance early in the fourth quarter, Magnolia knew it needed one final push.
Holding a 99-92 lead midway through the period, the Hotshots produced a decisive 6-0 run that shifted the game permanently in their favor.
Veteran forward Rome dela Rosa buried a clutch three-pointer that ignited the Magnolia crowd and stretched the lead into double digits.
Hester attempted to keep the Bolts alive by converting a jumper before earning two free throws after drawing a foul against Zav Lucero.
However, Magnolia immediately responded.
Lucero scored on back-to-back possessions before knocking down another three-pointer to extend the lead, effectively ending Meralco’s comeback hopes.
Behind disciplined defense and excellent execution, the Hotshots closed out the game to secure a convincing 112-98 victory.
Ian Sangalang Named Player of the Game
Although KJ Buffen led Magnolia in scoring, Ian Sangalang emerged as the game’s most influential player.
The veteran center finished with 16 points, consistently making winning plays that did not always appear on the stat sheet.
Whether setting hard screens, protecting the paint, grabbing key rebounds, or making smart passes out of double teams, Ian Sangalang provided everything Magnolia needed during critical stretches.
His leadership became even more evident during the fourth quarter, when the Hotshots maintained their composure while Meralco attempted to rally.
For a team searching for its first victory of the conference, Ian Sangalang’s experience proved invaluable.
Buffen Continues to Impress
Import KJ Buffen continued his impressive start to the conference by finishing with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists.
Buffen attacked relentlessly in transition, finished through contact, and displayed excellent chemistry with Magnolia’s local core.
Meanwhile, Zav Lucero delivered another outstanding all-around performance with 20 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks, including several clutch baskets during Magnolia’s decisive fourth-quarter run.
Veteran guard Mark Barroca contributed 14 points, while rookie Jerom Lastimosa added 13, giving Magnolia balanced scoring throughout the lineup.
LA Tenorio Sees Signs of Progress
After earning his first victory as Magnolia head coach, LA Tenorio praised his players for believing in themselves despite their difficult start.
“They just have to believe that we can battle against these strong, tough and seasoned teams,” Tenorio said after the game.
The former PBA superstar admitted that Magnolia still has plenty to improve, particularly on the defensive end, but emphasized how important the victory was for building confidence.
Tenorio hopes the breakthrough win will give Magnolia momentum heading into challenging matchups against Rain or Shine and Barangay Ginebra.
Antonio Hester Leads Meralco
Despite the defeat, Meralco import Antonio Hester once again delivered an excellent performance.
Hester finished with 28 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals, carrying much of the offensive responsibility for the Bolts throughout the night.
CJ Cansino scored 12 points, Bong Quinto added 11, while Aaron Black chipped in 10, but Meralco struggled to match Magnolia’s execution during the closing minutes.
A Much-Needed Confidence Boost
For Magnolia, the victory represents more than just its first win of the conference.
It demonstrated that the Hotshots remain capable of competing with the league’s top teams when they execute their system, defend with intensity, and receive strong leadership from veterans like Ian Sangalang.
As Magnolia continues its campaign in the Governors’ Cup, the team will look to build on this performance and carry the momentum into its upcoming games.
If Ian Sangalang continues playing at this level while Buffen and Lucero maintain their offensive production, the Hotshots could quickly emerge as one of the stronger contenders in Group B.
Final Score
Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots 112
Buffen 26, Lucero 20, Ian Sangalang 16, Barroca 14, Lastimosa 13, Dela Rosa 9, Lee 6, Jopia 4, Alfaro 4.
Meralco Bolts 98
Hester 28, Cansino 12, Quinto 11, Black 10, Newsome 9, Banchero 7, Hodge 6, Maliksi 6, Brickman 5, Mocon 2, Bates 2.
Quarter Scores: 31-20, 60-55, 84-77, 112-98.
