MAGNOLIA beat Rain or Shine in a duel of teams on hot romp, pulling off a 108-102 decision in a road showdown in Tiaong, Quezon to move up to third place in the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round.
Ian Sangalang put in double-double numbers and led six Hotshots in double figures as Magnolia stretched its streak to four games and in the process jacked up its record to 5-2, at third behind solo leader San Miguel Beer (6-0) and second-running Barangay Ginebra (6-3).
The Beermen try to firm up their front-running position versus the NorthPort Batang Pier Sunday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
Expected to breathe down SMB's neck for the rest of the elims are the Gin Kings and the Hotshots in a fight for twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
Mark Barroca sustained his personal hot streak with a solid all-around game marked by 18 points, nine assists and seven rebounds with Aris Dionisio (13), Paul Lee [11), Jed Mendoza (12) and Joseph Eriobu (10) chipping in at least 10 points each as Magnolia snapped Rain or Shine's five-game streak.
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The E-Painters fell behind by 11 at the half and fell short in their comeback bid in tumbling to 5-5 card.
Lee was 1-of-6 from beyond the arc but nonetheless became the latest member of the elite list of players with 1,000 three-point shots made.
He's the fourth quickest to hit the plateau.
But it was Sangalang's night with another splendid performance in his return from an injury.
Mendoza had his moment with a big trey that helped repel the ROS siege.
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The second-string guard went 2-of-3 from the arc to highlight one of his best showings in the pros.
The losing side was paced by Adrian Nocum with 19 markers.
Contributing double-digit outputs were Santi Santillan (17), Beau Belga (16), Gian Mamuyac (14) and Andrei Caracut (12).
Belga also came through with eight rebounds and six assists.
As expected, it was a battle with Rain or Shine seizing the early initiative, but Magnolia was not to be denied in the end. (SB)
