Magnolia banked on its poise and experience as it outplayed Rain or Shine, 108-102, in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup at Tiaong Convention Center in Quezon on Saturday, April 20.

Ian Sangalang and Mark Barroca provided the veteran presence for the Hotshots, delivering the goods in the final frame where they created the much-needed separation to turn back the young but talented Elasto Painters.

Magnolia snapped the five game win streak of Rain or Shine, which slid to an even 5-5 slate while stretching its own winning run to four games. 

More importantly, the victory improved the Hotshots' win-loss record to 5-2, keeping them in contention for one of the Top 2 spots which merits a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.

Taking advantage of the Elasto Painters' miscues and poor free throw shooting, the Hotshots went on a pivotal 11-0 run to pull away from a slim 85-84 lead to a 96-84 cushion halfway through the payoff period.

Rain or Shine, though, stayed within striking distance behind Adrian Nocum, Beau Belga and Andrei Caracut by cutting the lead down to just five, 101-96, with 1:56 left. 

Sangalang gave Magnolia some breathing space with an inside conversion before Barroca answered back Caracut’s free throws with a tough fadeaway jumper to keep a 105-98 lead.

Sangalang continued his resurgence with a double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds. Barroca, meanwhile, had an all-around game of 18 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. 

Lee finished with 11 points with his lone three-pointer in the contest listing him as 10th player in the league to reach 1,000 triples and the first for the Magnolia franchise. 

Aris Dionisio and Jed Mendoza also provided a boost with 13 and 11 points, respectively, while Calvin Abueva chimed in with eight points and 12 rebounds.

Adrian Nocum, who spearheaded a huge third quarter for the Elasto Painters, paced his team with 19 points while Santi Santillan finished with 17 points.

Belga, after a series of big offensive nights, slowed down a bit with 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists.