Magnolia announces grand comeback with blowout against Blackwater

Ian Sangalang played through some pre-game pain to lead Magnolia back to its winning ways. Dennis Acosta
By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY—Magnolia basically vented ire on Blackwater in its return to the PBA Commissioner's Cup action on Sunday night with a 91-69 rout at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Playing for the first time since dropping their first game of the conference to Barangay Ginebra two weeks ago, the Hotshots clobbered the Bossing in the final three quarters, outscoring them, 72-47, to pull away for good.

Nick Rakocevic and Ian Sangalang each scored 17 points to lead Magnolia, which moved up to 6-1, a half-game ahead of Bay Area and Converge for first place.

Rakocevic also had 15 rebounds for the double-double.

Ato Ular's perfect game where he went 4-for-4 from the field and 4-for-4 as well from the foul line for 14 points went down the drain as Blackwater lost for the third straight time and dropped to 3-6, virtually putting the team's playoff hopes in peril.

The Scores:

Magnolia 91 – Rakocevic 17, Sangalang 17, Ahanmisi 14, Jalalon 13, Barroca 9, Abueva 6, Wong 4, Zaldivar 4, Laput 4, Escoto 2, Dionisio 0, Corpuz 0, Mendoza 0

Blackwater 69 – Ular 14, Jackson 10, McCarthy 9, Krutwig 8, Suerte 6, Ayonayon 5, Ebona 4, Sena 3, Banal 2, Publico 2, Melton 2, Taha 2, Go 2, Amer 0

QUARTERS: 19-22, 44-37, 70-55, 91-69

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno