SMART CLARK GIGA CITY--Magnolia kept its scorching streak alive heading to the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals as it battered already-ran Blackwater, 95-80, on Wednesday at the Angeles University Foundation Arena here.
The Hotshots cruised to their sixth straight win to end the eliminations with a 7-4 record, tying TNT, Alaska, San Miguel and Meralco as of posting time.
Like Meralco, Magnolia has yet to know its final seeding but is already set to face a twice-to-win disadvantage in the playoffs.
Coach Chito Victolero stressed that they will go all-out whoever they will face in the quarterfinals.
"We want to go hard every game and we want to win every game. That's our mentality," said Victolero.
"Going into the playoffs, kung sinuman makatapat namin pagtatrabahuhan lang namin. We'll just try to prepare hard."
Ian Sangalang starred anew with his double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds while Chris Banchero racked up 14 markers, six assists and four boards for the Hotshots, who got off to a 32-14 start and never looked behind.
Rookie forward Aris Dionisio finished with an impressive 14-point, four-rebound effort even as Mark Barroca and Paul Lee added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
KG Canaleta had 14 points and Don Trollano had 13 markers to lead the Elite, who finished their campaign on an eight-game losing skid and an overall 2-9 slate.
The scores:
MAGNOLIA 95 – Sangalang 17 , Banchero 14, Dionisio 12, Barroca 11, Lee 10, Dela Rosa 9, Jalalon 8, Melton 3, Abundo 3, Corpuz 2, Reavis 2, Calisaan 2, Saitanan 2
BLACKWATER 80 – Canaleta 14, Trollano 13, Sumang 9, Belo 8, Dario 8, Gabriel 8,Dennison 6, Escoto 4, Tolomia 4,Dario 3, Magat 3, Magat 3, Salem 3, Golla 0
Quarters: 32-15, 48-36, 73-56, 95-80