By Adrian Stewart Co

The Magnolia Hotshots battled back from a double-digit deficit to score a 103-90 victory over NorthPort Batang Pier in the 2019 Honda PBA Philippine Cup last Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Paul Lee led the victory with 24 points, including six triples; while Ian Sangalang and Rodney Brondial added 14 and 11 markers, respectively.

Down by as much as 11 points in the third period, the Hotshots slowly made its move on baskets from Sangalang, Justin Melton, and Lee to come to within 82-76 heading into the fourth.

Magnolia started strong in the fourth period on a triple by Lee, back-to-back inside hits from Brondial, and a layup by Melton for an 85-82 lead.

NorthPort then exchanged hits with the Hotshots to force an 89-all deadlock.

However, that was the Batang Pier’s last stand as the Hotshots unloaded a huge finishing run on consecutive inside points from Sangalang to build its largest lead of 103-90./ASC, WDJ