Red-hot Magnolia preserves streak with rout of Blackwater

The Magnolia Hotshots extended their impressive winning streak to 6 games after crushing the Blackwater Elite, 95-80, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga on Wednesday, November 11. 

Ian Sangalang came up with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds for the playoff-bound Hotshots, who ended the elimination round with a 7-4 record tied with TNT, San Miguel, Meralco, and Alaska – with their quarterfinals seeding yet to be determined.

“We really wanted to come out with a victory before the end of eliminations and we did that today in order for us to have momentum going into the playoffs,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero in Filipino.

Magnolia wasted little time in flashing its dominance over Blackwater as it built a comfortable 18-point lead, 32-14, at the end of the opening frame led by Sangalang, who dropped 10 points in the quarter.

The Hotshots never looked back and stretched their lead to as many as 21 points, 90-69, off a Justin Meton three-pointer late in the 4th period.

Chris Banchero added 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Aris Dionisio contributed 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 blocks for the Hotshots.

Niño Canaleta finished with 14 points while Don Trollano tallied a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Elite, who dropped their eighth straight game and finished their disappointing campaign with a 2-9 record. 

The Scores

Magnolia 95 – Sangalang 17, Banchero 14, Dionisio 12, Barroca 11, Lee 10, Dela Rosa 9, Jalalon 8, Melton 3, Abundo 3, Corpuz 2, Reavis 2, Calisaan 2, Saitanan 2. 

Blackwater 80 – Canaleta 14, Trollano 13, Sumang 9, Belo 8, Dario 8, Gabriel 8, Dennison 6, Escoto 4, Tolomia 4, Salem 3, Magat 3, Golla 0. 

Quarters: 32-14, 48-36, 73-56, 95-80.

– Martin Mendoza/Rappler.com