In a rematch of last year’s title bout, Magnolia needed to escape the Alaska Aces, 95-90, to collect their third consecutive win in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup, Sunday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Ian Sangalang led the Hotshots with 19 points and 10 rebounds in the victory that hiked their record to 3-1.
Romeo Travis filled the stat sheet with 17 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks, Mark Barroca had 13 points, five dimes, and six boards, while Paul Lee added 11.
“Kung anuman ‘yung binigay sa’min, tatanggapin namin ‘yun. One point, two points, three points. Ten points, twenty points, kahit ano pa ‘yan. Basta a win is a win,” said coach Chito Victolero.
The Hotshots were already enjoying a 57-42 lead in the third canto, but the Aces came back and knocked to within just four, 94-90, after a Franko House bucket with 1:01 left to play.
Alaska had so many chances to come even closer but failed to capitalize, missing a total of five shots including three from point-blank range by House and main man Vic Manuel.
The Hotshots then got the ball with 5.9 seconds left after Simon Enciso’s missed trey, leaving the Aces with no choice to stop the clock by fouling Paul Lee, who split his freebies with five ticks left.
Alaska tried its luck for one last time but the launch by Enciso from the top of the arc missed as time expired.
“Very happy kami kasi nakalusot kami sa back-to-back games namin,” said Victolero as the Hotshots were coming off a tight 69-68 victory over Rain or Shine Elasto Painters two nights ago.
Vic Manuel had 22 points and five rebounds to lead Alaska, which has dropped to 0-5.
Import Franko House has seemingly found his niche with the Aces as he finished with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists. Chris Banchero added 17 markers, six dimes, and three boards.
Magnolia will next face San Miguel Beermen (3-0) on Friday, October 11, at SM Mall of Asia Arena, while Alaska will play Rain or Shine (1-3) next Sunday, October 13, still at the Big Dome.
The Scores:
Magnolia (95) — Sangalang 19, Travis 17, Barroca 13, Lee 11, Herndon 8, Dela Rosa 8, Jalalon 7, Pingris 7, Melton 3, Reavis 2, Simon 0, Pascual 0.
Alaska (90) — Manuel 22, House 20, Banchero 17, Casio 9, Enciso 6, Tratter 6, Thoss 6, Ayaay 4, Pascual 0, Galliguez 0, Andrada 0.
Quarterscores: 20-20, 49-40, 71-70, 95-90.
