Magnolia arrested a two-game slide after putting NorthPort's hot winning streak to a screeching halt with a 104-97 decision in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Ian Sangalang had a career night with a personal-best 32 points to add to his 13 rebounds but it was veteran guards Mark Barroca and Paul Lee who made sure the Hotshots will get to even their win-loss record to 2-2 with crucial productions in the end game.
The Batang Pier kept the game within reach, 100-97, after Fran Yu sank a three-pointer with 35 seconds left.
Barroca quickly answered with a jumper after getting rid of the defense of Yu to widen the gap in the last 24 seconds. The breaks of the game favored Magnolia after NorthPort missed two consecutive attempts after a bad pass by returning Magnolia forward Calvin Abueva.
Lee sealed the win with two shots from the stripes.
"Our practice yesterday and the day before were great. I think it's a big factor, our preparation. That's how our system works. If we have a good practice we have a better chance of winning the game. That sets the tone for us," Hotshots coach Chito Victolero said.
Jame Laput had 14 points, Barroca finished with 12 points and 10 assists for Magnolia. Lee and Jerrick Ahanmisi made 13 markers each.
NorthPort dropped to a 4-2 slate.
Rookie Zav Lucero led the Batang Pier with 18 points, Yu got 15, while Arvin Tolentino had a quiet night of 14 markers and Joshua Munzon scored 11.
Box scores:
MAGNOLIA (104) – Sangalang 32, Laput 14, Ahanmisi 13, Lee 13, Barroca 12, Mendoza 7, Abueva 6, Eriobu 3, Escoto 2, Tratter 1, Jalalon 1, Murrell 0
NORTHPORT (97) – Lucero 18, Yu 15, Tolentino 14, Munzon 11, Zamar 9, Navarro 9, Rosales 8, Paraiso 8, Flores 5, Calma 0, Adamos 0, Bulanadi 0
Quarters: 23-22, 46-45, 78-73, 104-97