MAGNOLIA opened its PBA Philippine Cup campaign with a 106-75 blowout of Converge Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Ian Sangalang powered his way inside for 17 points, while Calvin Abueva and Jio Jalalon had 14 each for the Hotshots, who led by as many as 33 points in the fourth quarter.
The win came almost a month after Magnolia lost to San Miguel in Game 6 of the Commissioner's Cup finals.
Converge lost for the fifth straight game and remains one of two teams still to book a win this conference along with Rain or Shine.
Despite the FiberXers’ losing record, Magnolia coach Chito Victolero said the Hotshots didn’t take their opponents for granted.
“We talked about respect from the start of our preparation against Converge, the right approach and the right mindset,” said Victolero.
Mark Barroca also finished in double figures with 12 points, six assists, and five steals for Magnolia, which posted several 30-plus point lead during the game including the biggest at 98-65 at the 5:59 mark.
The 1-2 punch of Justin Arana and Alec Stockton continued to be the high note for the lowly FiberXers as they finished with 17 and 15 points, respectively, while rookie Bryan Santos also finished in double figures with 13.
The game meanwhile, served as the debut of Converge first round pick BJ Andrade, who is coming off an ACL injury.
The former Ateneo stalwart, taken no. 10 overall in the last draft, had a scoreless stint in 13 minutes of play, though he grabbed three rebounds and issued an assist.
The scores
Magnolia (106) -- Sangalang 17, Jalalon 14, Abueva 14, Barroca 12, Dela Rosa 8, Tartter 8, Lee 7, Laput 6, Ahanmisi 5, Escoto 4, Eriobu 3, Dionisio 2, Corpuz 2, Mendoza 0.
Converge (75) -- Arana 17, Stockton 15, Santos 13, Caralipio 8, Winston 8, Delos Santos 6, Maagdenberg 3, Fornilos 2, Nieto 2, Balanza 1, Fleming 0, Andrade 0, Melecio 0, Ambohot 0, Zaldivar 0.
Quarterscores: 24-20; 53-39; 79-59; 106-75.
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