MAGNOLIA overcame moments of complacency to subdue Northport, 83-76, and claim its fifth straight win in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup at Angeles University Foundation Sports Center in Pampanga.
Ian Sangalang of Magnolia held his own against Christian Standhardinger of NorthPort in the battle of big men as the Hotshots staved off a late rally by the Batang Pier to extend their winning streak to five games on another busy day at the bubble.
The 6-7 Sangalang came through with 23 points and nine rebounds for Magnolia, which moved up to a tie with Alaska Milk and Meralco at fourth place at 6-4.
More importantly, the win enabled Magnolia to stay in the hunt for a Top Four finish and a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals
Magnolia will gun for its seventh win when it meets slumping Blackwater Elite on the last day of the eliminations on Wednesday.
“Hindi ko na iniiisp kung ano nararamdam ko. Ang importante ay makatulong ko kaya ibinibigay ko ang best ko every game,” said Sangalang, who is playing despite a nagging back problem.
Sangalang’s game-long brilliance included a three-point play that pushed Magnolia’s lead to 20 points, 76-56, with 10:56 remaining.
Paul Lee, the hero in Magnolia’s previous victories, finished with 14 points of 4-of-13 shooting, plus six rebounds and eight assists.
Three other Players — Jackson Corpuz, Rome dela Rosa and Aris Dionisio– also scored 10 poibts each to underscore Magnolia’s balanced scoring.
Standhardinger and Kevin Ferrer had 18 points apuece for the Batang Pier, who fell to 1-8.
Standhardinger also had 17 rebounds.
Batang Pier’s finest moment came late in the game when they threatened at 76-80 on a triple by Ferrer with still 2:59 left.
Three more points by Sangalang finalized the score.
The scores:
Magnolia (83)– Sangalang 23, Lee 14, Corpuz 10, Dela Rosa 10, Dionisio 10, Jalalon 6, Calisaan 4, Barroca 4, Banchero 2, Melton 0, Reavis 0. NorthPort (76) — Standhardinger 18, Ferrer 18, Cruz 8, Nabong 8, Elorde 7, Manganti 6, Subido 5, Revilla 3, Taha 3, Guinto 0, Lanete 0. Quarterscores: 24-15 ; 42-36 ; 70-56 ; 83-76.
