Magnolia mauls Blackwater to end elims stint

Ian Sangalang continues to be the main man for Magnolia off the bench. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Magnolia will enter the PBA quarterfinals with some added motivation after finishing the regular season with a 95-80 win over Blackwater on Wednesday night at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.

The Hotshots zapped the Elite early on, opening a 32-14 lead after the first quarter, and despite slowing down a bit in the second quarter offensively, the former kept the latter at bay the rest of the way.

Ian Sangalang put up 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting and 10 rebounds for Magnolia, which finished the elimination round at 7-4.

Chris Banchero added 14 points, four rebounds, six assists, and one steal.

Like Meralco, which won earlier in the day against NorthPort, Magnolia will have to settle for a twice-to-beat disadvantage in the quarterfinals due to a lower quotient.

KG Canaleta made 14 points, five rebounds, and one steal off the bench for Blackwater, which ended its season at 2-9.

Don Trollano posted a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds with two assists and one steal.

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