PBA Philippine Cup: Magnolia Hotshots vs RainorShine Elastopainters

[Mary C]

by: Wilson C.

 

Magnolia used a strong offensive play on third quarter and a calm play on fourth quarter to defeat Rain or Shine, 81-70, on Sunday at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga and draw first blood in their best-of-three 2021 PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals battle. 

For the third-seeded Hotshots, who are one win away from the playoffs, Ian Sangalang came up big with 19 points on 9-for-19 shooting and 13 rebounds while Paul Lee survived another bad shooting night to finish with 20 points on 6-for-22 shooting, four rebounds, and three assists. 

Jio Jalalon also threw in 10 points off the bench while Calvin Abueva collected eight markers, 13 boards, two blocks, an assist, and a steal in the series opener. 

"Winning Game 1 was very important. In any series, that's what's going to get you the momentum," remarked head coach Chito Victolero in the postgame presser. "We worked on our execution on both ends of the floor, and we kept on grinding. We were down in the first half, but we kept on executing, and we got the WIN.” 

Magnolia handily dominated the glass, where the team grabbed 66 against Rain or Shine's 43. The Hotshots collected a lot of their misses (23-8 advantage in offensive rebounding) and put up 21 second chance points as a result. 

The Hotshots have not advanced to the second round of the playoffs since reaching the finals of the 2019 All-Filipino conference, but a win next week could change that. 

This will be a stressed game for Rain or Shine as they were tilted in game 1, losing to a total deficit of 11 points. 

But nevertheless, we shall see what Rain or Shine can bring us into the Game 2 later at 4:35 PM.  

Will Magnolia advance their score to 2-0? Or will Rain or Shine fight back to tie up their standings?  

Bet with us now at 747 live, and cheer for your team.

[Rica357]

I can't open it says this game is suspended