Two teams coming off heartbreaking losses in the Magnolia Hotshots and Blackwater Bossing faced off to open PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup action on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. In the end, the Hotshots overcame a tepid start to overcome the Bossing, 90-75, thanks to a strong second-half effort. The win hiked Magnolia’s record to 5-2 for a share of first place in the standing, while Blackwater dropped to the cellar with the Terrafirma Dyip at 1-6.
What Happened?
Blackwater got the better of Magnolia in the first half, sticking close in the first before rifling off 26 second-quarter points to Magnolia’s 16. Down 41-34 at halftime, the Hotshots turned up the heat in the third, outscoring the Bossing 30-14 to take a 64-56 lead to the payoff period. Magnolia finished things off in the fourth, extending the lead to 84-61 and then cruising to the win.
Who Stood Out?
There were plenty of hot shots for the Hotshots in this one, but two who really got going were Javi Gomez de Liaño and Ian Sangalang. Gomez de Liaño broke out of his mini-slump with 17 points, while Sangalang continued to be solid with 16 markers, 9 boards, and 5 dimes. Raffy Verano shone, too, coming off the bench and adding 12 points to spark the slow-starting Hotshots.
On the other side, Sedrick Barefield carried the fight for the Bossing with 16 points and 5 rebounds, while Richard Escoto came off the bench to chip in 12 markers.
3 Keys to the Game
- Ball movement. Magnolia has been passing that ball around under LA Tenorio, and it was no different against Blackwater. Nine Hotshots recorded at least 1 assist, with four issuing at least 3. In all, Magnolia had 26 assists as Jerom Lastimosa and company moved the ball around to find the best shots available.
- Defense. After a shaky start, the Hotshots clamped down on Blackwater defensively in the second half, holding down the Bossing to 14 measly points in the third quarter. Magnolia was so locked in it forced Blackwater to 21 turnovers and 38.9% shooting overall.
- Starters starring. Magnolia’s starters totally outplayed their Bossing counterparts, outscoring them 56-28 in a show of dominance. Gomez de Liaño and Sangalang led the way, with Zavier Lucero and Jerom Lastimosa adding 13 and 10, respectively. In contrast, Barefield was the only Blackwater starter to reach double figures.
Next Up for the PBA
The PBA Philippine Cup goes on the road again, this time to the Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr. International Convention in Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao. Only one game is on tap in this out-of-town gig, but it is a dandy for sure as the league-leading TNT Tropang 5G take on the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, who are doing quite well themselves with a 5-2 record. Game time is at 7:30 p.m.
