MANILA, Philippines – James Farr put up a 20-20 performance as Magnolia notched its first win in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup with a 98-88 victory over NLEX at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, June 14. 

Farr, who had a subpar outing in his PBA debut, bounced back with 24 points, 21 rebounds, and 3 steals to help the Hotshots crack the winning column after losing their first two games. 

Ian Sangalang was just as stellar in the triumph with 21 points and 7 rebounds off the bench as he sank crucial baskets down the stretch to keep the reeling Road Warriors without a win in 6 games.

NLEX trailed by just 3 points with less than 3 minutes left, 87-90, until Sangalang drained a floater to spark a win-clinching 8-1 run capped off by a Paul Lee three-pointer. 

Lee delivered 11 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds, while Jio Jalalon added 10 points and 2 steals for the Hotshots. 

Although the Road Warriors acquired serviceable guard Jericho Cruz and saw the return of head coach Yeng Guiao at the sidelines, they still could not get a win as they failed to protect a 10-point lead.

Tony Mitchell chalked up 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks, while Kenneth Ighalo and JR Quinahan added 14 and 12 points, respectively, in the loss.

Cruz, meanwhile, debuted for NLEX with 6 points and 8 assists in his first PBA game in two months. 

The Scores

Magnolia 98 – Farr 24, Sangalang 21, Lee 11, Jalalon 10, Barroca 7, Ramos 6, Melton 5, Dela Rosa 5, Brondial 4, Herndon 3, Simon 2, Pascual 0, 

NLEX 88 – Mitchell 22, Ighalo 14, Quinahan 12, Lao 8, Erram 7, Cruz 6, Galanza 5, Paredes 4, Paniamogan 3, Monfort 3, Tiongson 2, Rios 2, Baguio 0.

Quarters: 27-29, 45-49, 73-71, 98-88.

– Rappler.com