Magnolia banked on Paul Lee and Ian Sangalang to frustrate Rain or Shine, 81-70, in Game 1 of their PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga on Sunday, September 26.

Lee chalked up 20 points, while Sangalang delivered 19 points and 13 rebounds as the Hotshots turned the tides in a big third quarter to draw first blood in their best-of-three affair.

The Elasto Painters led 42-37 at halftime but got limited to just 8 points in the crucial third quarter, paving the way for Magnolia to build a 60-50 cushion going into the final salvo.

Rookie Santi Santillan kept Rain or Shine within shouting distance with a stepback triple with less than four minutes left, 67-73, only to witness Lee carry the Hotshots home in the endgame.

Lee drained a three-pointer and a pair of free throws in the final 1:10 minutes as Magnolia moved one win away from reaching the semifinals.

Rome dela Rosa added 10 points and 5 rebounds in the win, while Jio Jalalon chipped in 10 points and 3 rebounds.

Earlier emerging as the leader in statistical points for the Best Player of the Conference plum, Calvin Abueva made his presence felt for the Hotshots with 8 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

Santillan paced Rain or Shine with 17 points and 12 rebounds in a stellar playoff debut that unfortunately went down the drain.

Rey Nambatac and Javee Mocon had 16 and 11 points, respectively, in the losing effort.

The Scores

Magnolia 81 – Lee 20, Sangalang 19, Jalalon 10, Dela Rosa 10, Barroca 8, Abueva 8, Corpuz 4, Pascual 2, Reavis 0, Ahanmisi 0, Dionisio 0. 

Rain or Shine 70 – Santillan 17, Nambatac 16, Mocon 11, Belga 8, Borboran 5, Norwood 3, Caracut 3, Ponferada 3, Yap 2, Torres 2, Wong 0, Asistio 0.  

Quarters: 21-16, 37-42, 60-50, 81-70. 

– Rappler.com