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| Ian Sangalang played the "super sub" role for the Hotshots. PBA Media Group |
By Ivan Saldajeno
LIPA—Magnolia did just enough in the endgame to pip Alaska, 95-90, in the rematch of the PBA Governors' Cup Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Sunday night.
In their first showdown with the Hotshots since they let go of Alex Compton, who led them to their last finals appearance in last year's edition of the season-ending conference, the Aces were actually on pace of finally notching a win after recovering from the Hotshots' second quarter onslaught with one of their own in the third quarter to cut a nine-point halftime lead down to just one, 71-70, entering the fourth.
Alaska even got to tie the game, 73-all, early in the final frame.
Magnolia, however, scored six unanswered points to regain the lead for good, even stretching it to as high as nine points before holding Alaska off in the end.
Ian Sangalang came off the bench to score 19 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and one steal for the Hotshots, who won for the third straight game since losing their opener against the Meralco Bolts.
Romeo Travis added 17 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks.
Vic Manuel led the Aces, who fell to 0-5, with 22 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
Franko House added 20 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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