PBA Finals: Magnolia climbs back from 20-point deficit to snatch series opener against San Miguel

The Magnolia Hotshots erased a 20-point deficit to take down the San Miguel Beermen, 105-103, Friday in Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Ian Sangalang exploded for the Hotshots with 29 points and nine rebounds.

The Beermen were in full control early in the match as they established a 33-25 edge at the end of the opening period.

Using his height advantage, June Mar Fajardo showcased his usual dominant form at the paint to extend San Miguel’s advantage.

Magnolia could do only so much and saw the Beermen’s lead swell to 17-points going into the halftime break.

Down by what seemed like an insurmountable deficit, the Hotshots slowly inched their way back in the payoff period.

Robbie Herndon’s triple lifted Magnolia to take the driver’s seat in the crucial minutes of the match.

It was downhill for San Miguel since as the Hotshots capitalized on the momentum and steal the victory.

Aldrech Ramos and Mark Barroca contributed 15 points and 14 points respectively for Magnolia.

June Mar Fajardo posted 31 markers and grabbed 18 boards for the Beermen.

Game 2 is scheduled on March 25 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The scores:

Magnolia (105) – Sangalang 29, Ramos 15, Barroca 14, dela Rosa 11, Herndon 8, Jalalon 7, Reavis 6, Pascual 5, Lee 4, Melton 3, Simon 3, Brondial 0.

San Miguel (103) – Fajardo 31, Cabagnot 27, Lassiter 21, Santos 19, Ganuelas-Rosser 4, Ross 1, Heruela 0, de Ocampo 0, Pessumal 0, Espinas 0.

Quarterscores: 25-33, 47-63, 75-89, 105-103.

SOURCE: http://cnnphilippines.com/sports/2018/03/23/PBA-finals-Magnolia-Hotshots-20-points-San-Miguel-Beermen-Game-1.html