Magnolia pips ROS at start of PBA PH Cup QF's

Ian Sangalang put up another double-double for the Hotshots. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Magnolia shut down Rain Or Shine in the third quarter and late in the fourth to walk away with an 81-70 victory at the start of the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals on Sunday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The Hotshots, who let the Elasto Painters take over in the second quarter, held them to just eight points in the third even as they took a 60-50 lead entering the fourth.

ROS threatened a comeback, cutting the lead down to just four, 64-60, with 9:08 remaining, but Paul Lee came alive just in time with crucial baskets to keep the team at bay in the end.

Lee finished with 20 points, 14 in the fourth quarter, four rebounds, and three assists for the Hotshots, who can clinch the best-of-three series in Game 2 on Thursday.

Ian Sangalang added a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds with one assist.

Calvin Abueva, currently ahead in the Best Player of the Conference race, chipped in eight markers, 13 boards, one dime, one steal, and two blocks.

Santi Santillan made 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting including 3-for-5 from long range, 12 caroms, one assist, and one block for the E-Painters.

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