The Magnolia Hotshots are now just a win away from claiming a spot in the semifinals after they dropped the Rain or Shine E-Painters, 81-70, in Game One of the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Paul Lee and Ian Sangalang took care of the scoring chores while the Batang Pier’s defense took center stage in the third, holding the E-Painters to just eight points to take full control of the match.
Lee finished with 20 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter while Sangalang had a double-double, producing 19 points and 13 rebounds. Jio Jalalon and Rome dela Rosa chipped in 10 points each while Calvin Abueva narrowly missed out on a double-double with eight points and 13 boards.
“Very important ang Game One in any series. Yun ang magbibigay ng momentum,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero after the match. “Pinaghandaan talaga naming itong game. We worked on our execution on both ends of the floor that’s why we kept on grinding.”
The Hotshots actually trailed by five in the third, 47-52, but outgunned Rain or Shine, 23-8, in the third period to build a 70-60 lead heading to the fourth.
Cebuano rookie Leonard Santillan paced the E-Painters with 17 points and 12 rebounds while Rey Nambatac had 16 markers.
The scores:
Magnolia 81 – Lee 20, Sangalang 19, Jalalon 10, Dela Rosa 10, Abueva 8, Barroca 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.
Quarterscores: 21-16; 37-42; 60-50; 81-70.