The debuting Magnolia Hotshots had to overcome a gallant Alaska Aces fightback to open their 2018 PBA Philippine Cup on a winning note, 108-95, Wednesday night at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan City.
“It was very hard to win the first game, lalong-lalo na ‘yung simula ng season,” said Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero. “I told my players that we need to match up with the aggressiveness and intensity ng Alaska.
“In order for us to win this game, kailangan mas mataas ang will to win namin,” he added.
Main gunner Paul Lee emerged as the top-scorer for Magnolia with 30 big points on an excellent 11-of-14 shooting, carrying most of the offensive load despite his limited practice time with the Hotshots.
“Si Paul Lee tatlong araw pa lang nagpa-practice yan pero iba talaga ang puso ng bata. He wants to play, he wants to win. I’m very thankful to Paul,” praised Victolero of the seven-year pro, who also had seven rebounds and six assists.
After being down by as much as 16, 97-81, midway in the final frame, the Aces stormed back and outscored the Hotshots, 14-6, to close within shouting distance, 103-95, after Calvin Abueva’s split with 2:10 remaining.
But that proved to be the closest the Milkmen would get, as Magnolia scored five straight points — started by rookie Robbie Herndon’s jumper and ended by Ian Sangalang’s putback — to restore order and seal the victory.
Bambam Gamalinda scored 15 for Magnolia. Sangalang finished with 13 markers and 10 boards, while Rome Dela Rosa also made a mark in the win with 10 points.
The Hotshots were without Marc Pingris, Jiovani Jalalon, and Rafi Reavis.
“Everybody stepped up because they know we’re undermanned. They know na marami kaming injury and I’m very proud of these players. I know they will step up every single game kung kailangan,” said Victolero of the support he received. “Thank God nakuha namin yung first win namin.”
Calvin Abueva powered Alaska with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Vic Manuel also finished with 20 markers, while rookie Jeron Teng had a notable debut as he finished with 16 points. The La Salle great was even named as a starter.
Manolia will next face the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Monday, December 25, at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. Alaska, on the other hand, will look to bounce back Friday, December 29, against the TNT Katropa.
The Scores:
Magnolia 108 – Lee 30, Gamalinda 15, Sangalang 13, Dela Rosa 10, Simon 9, Herndon 9, K. Pascual 9, Barroca 6, Melton 3, Ramos 2, Brondial 2.
Alaska 95 – Abueva 20, Manuel 20, Teng 16, Casio 10, R. Pascual 7, Enciso 5, Exciminiano 5, Banchero 4, Thoss 3, J. Pascual 2, Cruz 2, Magat 1, Racal 0.
Quarterscores: 21-26, 57-47, 87-74, 108-95.
