Ian Sangalang powers Magnolia past NorthPort

In a thrilling matchup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Magnolia came out on top, ending NorthPort’s four-game winning streak with a final score of 104-97 in the PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup.

Ian Sangalang delivered a standout performance, achieving a career-high 32 points along with 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Calvin Abueva made a triumphant return from suspension, contributing six points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals for Magnolia, helping the team even their record to 2-2 after recent losses to Barangay Ginebra and NLEX.

Despite NorthPort’s strong showing in previous games, their winning streak was halted, dropping to 4-2 after the loss.

Sangalang’s crucial putback in the final minutes triggered a 5-0 spurt which shifted the momentum in Magnolia’s favor.

Mark Barroca, playing through an injury, came up clutch with a key jumper to secure the victory. He finished with 12 points, 10 assists, and five steals.

Magnolia’s offensive resurgence was a welcome sight after struggling to reach the 90-point mark in their previous defeats. The team also faced challenges with injuries to key players Rome Dela Rosa and Aris Dionisio.

“That’s our problem in our last two games, our offense. We talked about our ball movement, sharing the ball, and sacrificing. The last time we played, we only had 16 assists. Our goal is around 22 to 24 assists per game kaya mababa ang points namin,” explained Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero during the post-game presser.

“We have a bad preparation the last time because we only have eight, nine players in practice and majority of them are big man. But no excuses. Yung practice namin yesterday and the day before, sobrang ganda,” he added.

Zavier Lucero and Fran Yu contributed significantly for NorthPort, with 18 and 15 points respectively, while Arvin Tolentino was held to 14 points in the game.

The scores:

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 16, Yu 15, Tolentino 14, Munzon 11, Zamar 9, Navarro 9, Rosales 8, Paraiso 8, Flores 5, Calma 0, Bulanadi 0, Adamos 0.

Quarterscores: 23-22, 46-45, 78-73, 104-97.