Magnolia beats San Miguel, leads series 2-1

By Adrian Stewart Co

The Magnolia Hotshots took a 2-1 lead in the ongoing 2019 Honda PBA Philippine Cup finals with an 86-82 win over the San Miguel Beermen last Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Andy Mark Barroca led the win with 22 points, Ian Sangalang earned a double-double on 17 points and 15 rebounds, while Rafael Reavis contributed 16 markers and 14 boards.

Trailing by five late in the first quarter, the Hotshots made a run and took a 34-30 lead early in the second period on baskets by Kyle Pascual and Paul Lee. Their lead grew further to 45-36 at the half on baskets from Sangalang, Reavis, and Barroca.

Magnolia continued its run at the onset of the third period to build a 54-42 advantage behind Sangalang and Barroca. While SMB managed to cut their deficit to three points, the Hotshots pulled away to 66-58 on eight straight points from Barroca.

Beermen started strong in the fourth and were able to come to as close as 68-66 but the Hotshots banked on inside shots from Sangalang and Reavis to increase their lead back to nine.

The Beermen made a final push while trailing 79-74 behind inside conversions from June Mar Fajardo but a basket by Sangalang and free throws from Jiovani Jalalon and Barroca sealed the win for the Hotshots./ASC, WDJ