By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Ian Sangalang dominated inside in the last two quarters as the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots scored a 104-97 victory over the NorthPort Batang Pier in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila on Wednesday night, April 10.
The 6-foot-7 center made his presence felt in the second half, dropping 20 of his career-high 32 points as the Hotshots halted a two-game losing skid to improve to a 2-2 win-loss slate.
“For me, siguro ‘yung mga teammates ko [‘yung naging inspiration ko sa game na ito]. We help each other. Pinag-usapan namin na magtulong-tulong kami,” Sangalang said in a post-game interview.
“Galing kami sa dalawang sunod na talo, and mahirap naman na maka-tatlong sunod [na talo] kami,” he said.
“Syempre, napakaganda rin na nag-step up din halos lahat kami sa larong ito,” he added.
James Laput contributed 14 points, Paul Lee and Jerrick Ahanmisi contributed 13 markers apiece, while Andy Mark Barroca also stepped up in the fourth quarter to end up with 12 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, and five steals for Magnolia.
Zavier Lucero finished with 18 points to lead the way for the Batang Pier. Fran Yu added 15 markers, while Arvin Tolentino and Joshua Munzon had 14 and 11, respectively, as they dropped to 4-2.
Meanwhile, Moala Tautuaa converted timely hits down the stretch as the defending champion San Miguel Beermen (5-0) escaped with a 113-110 victory over the Terrafirma Dyip (4-4).
With the Dyip threatening at 107-108 after two free throws by rookie Stephen Holt, Tautuaa connected a three-pointer to give the Beermen a 111-107 edge with over a minute left.
Terrafirma responded with a three-pointer by George Isaac Go to cut the deficit to 110-111, but Tautuaa increased the Beermen’s lead to 113-110 with an inside shot by Tautuaa.
Tautuaa finished the game with a season-high of 24 points, including three three-point connections.
Jaymar Perez led the way with 25 points, while June Mar Fajardo had a double-double of 20 points and 17 rebounds for the Beermen./ASC, WDJ
MAGNOLIA 104 — Sangalang 32, Laput 14, Ahanmisi 13, Lee 13, Barroca 12, Mendoza 7, Abueva 6, Eriobu 3, Escoto 2, Tratter 1, Jalalon 1, Murrell 0.
NORTHPORT 97 — Lucero 18, Yu 15, Tolentino 14, Munzon 11, Zamar 9, Navarro 9, Rosales 8, Paraiso 8, Flores 5, Calma 0, Adamos 0, Bulanadi 0.
Quarterscores: 23-22, 46-45, 78-73, 104-97.