Returning player Ian Sangalang knocked in eight of his 17 points in the third period as the Magnolia Timplados Hotshots came to life and turned back the Blackwater Elite Bossings, 91-69, Sunday night in the 2022 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
The 6’7″ Sangalang, back from a bout with typhoid fever, made his imposing presence felt in the last 5:39 of the third period as he, along with Jerick Ahanmisi and Jio Jalalon kept the Hotshots ahead, 51-43, with 9:20 left.
Their efforts helped power the solo-leading Hotshots to their sixth win in seven matches.
“This is a bounce-back game. The guys responded. We tried to limit them to 60 points and that’s the key,” said Hotshots assistant coach Jason Webb.
Blackwater’s 69-point output was the lowest Magnolia has allowed an opponent in a game this conference.
The last time it happened was when the Hotshots pulled off a 75-66 win over Blackwater last July 22, during their final game in the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations.