WATCH: Magnolia vs Meralco Highlights [SF Game 1 | 2021 Philippine Cup | Oct. 3, 2021]

Ian Sangalang pulled-off a near double-double peformance as Magnolia rolled to a 88-79 victory over the Meralco Bolts, Sunday afternoon in Game 1 of the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at the Don Honorio Ventura State University in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The 2nd overall pick of the 2013 PBA Draft finished with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists.

Paul Lee registered 17 points on 4-of-11 shooting spiked by 3 three-pointers while Calvin Abueva posted 13 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Jio Jalalon contributed 12 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists.

Mark Barroca came through with 11 points, 3 boards and 6 dimes.

“Regarding sa pag-focus namin, we talked about 48 minutes eh. We learned a lot from our game last time. Yung eliminations, we only played 46 minutes. Dito kung makikita niyo, even if we’re up by 12, we keep on pressuring the ball because we know that they can comeback,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.

“We want to finish the game hard. And also regarding the emotions, sasabihin naman natin talagang emotional yung game because it’s a series and it’s a semifinals. So, kailangan lang namin i-control yung emotions namin,” he added.

The Bolts failed to secure their second consecutive win in the playoffs after losing to the 2014 PBA Grand Slam champs.