The Magnolia Hotshots avoided falling into a deep 0-3 hole, downing the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 85-74, in Game Three of their 2019 PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal series, Tuesday night at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Ian Sangalang took over for Magnolia late in the contest, scoring eight of his team’s last 14 points that saw the Hotshots break away from a 71-all deadlock with 5:12 remaining en route to the series-extending victory.
Sangalang finished with 16 points, which he all scored in the second half. He also had 11 rebounds and two assists.
“We brought back Magnolia Hotshots basketball: playing pesky defense, and being aggressive on both sides,” said Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero. “Dumikit lang kami ng dumikit para pagdating sa dulo, may chance.”
Paul Lee had 16 points as well – including eight in the second quarter where Magnolia roared back from a deficit and posted a 27-17 lead – on 5-of-12 shooting from the floor, along with six boards and three assists.
Jio Jalalon and Mark Barroca only had eight and six points, respectively, but they had 10 caroms each.
“Now I think nakabalik lang kami, pero yun nga, lamang pa rin sila sa series. Pero ang maganda lang dito we still have a chance. At least kahit papano naka one win na kami,” added 2018 Coach of the Year awardee Victolero.
Javee Mocon almost had a double-double as he led the Elasto Painters with 18 points and nine rebounds. Beau Belga had 12 points and seven rebounds, while Norbert Torres chimed in 10 markers built on a pair of three-pointers.
Game Four will be on Monday, April 22, still at the Big Dome.
The Scores
Magnolia 85 – Lee 16, Sangalang 16, Melton 9, Jalalon 8, Dela Rosa 7, Reavis 7, Barroca 6, Reavis 6, Brondial 5, Simon 3, Ramos 2.
Rain or Shine 74 – Mocon 18, Belga 12, Torres 10, Daquioag 7, Yap 6, Nambatac 6, Norwood 6, Alejandro 3, Rosales 2, Borboran 2, Ponferada 2.
Quarterscores: 15-17, 35-42, 57-63, 85-74.
