Ian Sangalang dominated the paint anew for Magnolia. PBA Media Bureau |
QUEZON CITY—Just as the second half commenced, so did Magnolia's breakaway.
The Hotshots sizzled in the third quarter to maul the Kia Picanto, 124-77, in their PBA Philippine Cup meeting at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night.
Magnolia actually started out slow, letting Kia open a 9-2 run to begin the match.
But behind Ian Sangalang, the Hotshots recovered and kept the game close for the remainder of the first half.
Paul Lee then led Magnolia's third quarter charge, dropping 13 of the team's 34 points in the quarter, even outscoring the entire Kia squad, which could only come out with 11.
The Hotshots maintained their dominance in the end and even stretched their lead to 47.
Justin Melton led Magnolia with 23 points, six rebounds, eight rebounds, and one steal.
Sangalang finished with 21 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Jio Jalalon made his return and finished with 11 points, five rebounds, three dimes, and three interceptions.
Marc Pingris bucked a busted lip in the first quarter and came up with six markers, four caroms, and two assists.
Jay-R Reyes tallied 12 markers, 12 boards, four dimes, and one rejection for Kia, whose 47-point loss was its biggest since also losing by 47 against the same team on Sept. 22 last year as Ricky Dandan suffered a loss, his club's 15th straight dating back to last season, in his head coaching debut.
Box Scores:
Magnolia 124-Melton 23, Sangalang 21, Herndon 14, Lee 13, Simon 11, Jalalon 11, Ramos 7, Gamalinda 6, Pingris 6, Barroca 4, Pascual 4, Dela Rosa 2, Brondial 2
Kia 77-Reyes 12, McCarthy 11, Celda 11, Tubid 11, Corpuz 9, Yee 6, Khobuntin 5, Paniamogan 5, Jamon 3, Caperal 2, Sara 2, Camson 0, Ababou 0, Galanza 0
Quarterscores: 22-22, 47-49, 81-60, 124-77
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