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Magnolia seals QF bonus with rout of TNT

Ian Sangalang led the Hotshots to the quarterfinal bonus. PBA Media Group
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Magnolia wrested the first twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals after romping TNT, 116-103, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Friday night.

After engaging in a high-scoring battle in the first quarter, the Hotshots banked on their trademark defense in the second quarter, limiting the KaTropa to just 18 points to go up, 62-48, at halftime.

TNT would draw to within six, 76-82, late in the third quarter, but Magnolia regained control from there and never looked back.

Ian Sangalang dropped 28 points, six rebounds, one assist, and two blocks off the bench for the Hotshots, who also moved up to solo first place at 8-2. They can formally lock in the top spot if they beat Barangay Ginebra on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Mark Barroca added 21 points, two rebounds, and two assists.

Paul Lee (19 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists) and Romeo Travis (18-15-7) came close to a triple-double.

Former Hotshot Marqus Blakely did complete a triple-double with 17 markers, 18 caroms, and 11 dimes in his first game against his former club, but that was not enough as the KaTropa fell to a tie with the Meralco Bolts for eighth place at 4-6.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno