Sangalang tows Magnolia to Game 1 win

Magnolia opened the PBA Philippine Cup finals with the Game 1 victory over San Miguel, 99-94, last May 1 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Ian Sangalang was named the best player of the game after collecting 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Hotshots to take the series opener. Sangalang weathered a comeback attempt by San Miguel by hitting a jumper with 1:16 left in the game to give Magnolia a 97-94 lead.

Sangalang’s performance overshadowed the numbers of June Mar Fajardo, who tallied 35 points and 21 rebounds for San Miguel but in a losing effort.

Magnolia will go for a 2-0 series lead in the finals on Friday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Paul Lee actually topscored for Magnolia with 18 points and got support from several players, including Mark Barroca, who had 17 points in the contest. Jio Jalalon also had 16 points in the Game 1 win.

Alex Cabagnot scored 18 points for San Miguel but it was not enough to lead his team to the win in Game 1.

PHOTO: PBA Image