The Magnolia Hotshots found the right moment to take control in the fourth period, pulling off an 88-79 triumph over the Meralco Bolts in Game 1 of their 2021 PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal series on Sunday.
Ian Sangalang and Calvin Abueva asserted themselves in the last 12 minutes of their game at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga and their leadership allowed the Hotshots to earn the win and the momentum.
Sangalang struck with a game-high 18 points, eight rebounds and two assists for the Hotshots, who fought their way out of a 61-64 deficit at the beginning of the fourth period.
A foul-troubled Abueva, who had nine points in the final canto, delivered 13 points and seven rebounds, including a freebie and triple in the 8:26 mark, which allowed Hotshots to move within range, 67-69.
The Hotshots then forced 69-all tie off Paul Lee’s two charities before finally getting the chance to overtake the Bolts.
A 13-4 run fueled by Abueva’s fastbreak dunk, floater and assist to Jio Jalalon’s trey with 1:43 left saw the Hotshots taking a 14-point lead, 88-74, at the 1:43 mark.
“They played for 48 minutes and they focused for 48 minutes,” said Hotshots’ coach Chito Victolero.
The Bolts pushed ahead in the third period, behind Chris Newsome and Cliff Hodge, who knocked in half of the Bolts’ 24 points, before Sangalang and Abueva teamed up in the fourth to carry the Hotshots home.
Bong Quinto banged in 14 points for the Bolts, while Mac Belo and Anjo Caram shot 11 apiece.
