PBA: Magnolia big men show way vs. Terrafirma as Hotshots punch QF ticket

Veteran bruisers Ian Sangalang and Rafi Reavis led the way as Magnolia weathered a gutsy stand from Terrafirma, 108-100, to book a quarterfinals slot in the PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at Philsports Arena.

Sangalang top-scored with 23 points on top of eight rebounds, and four assists while Reavis poured in a huge double-double of 10 markers, 13 boards, and a steal as the Hotshots arrested their two-game skid to improve to 6-4. 

A Stephen Holt triple late in the fourth quarter saw Terrafirma erasing what was once a 15-point deficit as they forced a 95-all deadlock before Sangalang and Reavis connived to make it a 101-98 cushion with 2:03 left to play. 

Another veteran in Mark Barroca hit timely baskets after nailing five straight points to send Magnolia to a much comfortable lead at 106-98 while Paul Lee sank two freebies to seal it for the Hotshots which were coming off back-to-back losses against Meralco and San Miguel. 

Barroca finished with 21 points on three triples while Lee chipped in 17 markers alongside five rebounds, seven assists, and a steal. Jio Jalalon returned from the injury list and chimed in with seven points. 

Holt detonated for a 32-point outing which he laced with four rebounds, eight assists, and a steal while Isaac Go and Javi Gomez de Liaño each chimed in with 13. 

Scores:

Magnolia 108 – Sangalang 23, Barroca 21, Lee 17, Reavis 10, Eriobu 8, Balanza 8, Jalalon 7, Dela Rosa 5, Dionisio 5, Tratter 4.

Terrafirma 100 – Holt 32, Tiongson 14, Go 13, Gomez de Liano 13, Cahilig 9, Alolino 7, Carino 7, Sangalang 4, Ramos 1, Calvo 0, Camson 0.

Quarters: 28-16, 50-44, 80-71, 108-100.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News