Sangalang banks winning basket as Magnolia staves off Alaska

Ian Sangalang drained the winning basket as Magnolia Pambansang Manok escaped the gritty Alaska, 84-82, and grabbed a share of the lead in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City.

Sangalang finished the night with 26 points to go with five rebounds and two blocks as Hotshots created a three-way tie at the top of the standings with Meralco and Rain or Shine while Alaska slid to 1-1.

Paul Lee also starred for Magnolia with 16 markers while Rome dela Rosa carved out 12 points, six boards, and a steal.

Separated by only six points after the half, Magnolia exploded for 24 points in the third quarter but Alaska's Gab Banal capped it off with a triple, 66-65, in favor of Aces.

The Hotshots, however, remained composed in the payoff period as Lee drained seven straight points to give his team some breathing room.

Alaska took the lead in clutch after Robert Herndon sank a cold-blooded three, 82-80, but Sangalang tied the game at 82 before knocking down the winning shot with barely a second left on the clock.

Big man Yousef Taha lifted the Aces with a double-double performance of 20 points and 10 rebounds while Abu Tratter scored 10.

Magnolia will next face archrival Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Sunday, July 25.

—MGP, GMA News