LEAGUE-leading Magnolia fully bared its defensive fangs against Blackwater to fashion a cruising 91-69 victory Sunday and get back on the winning track in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The frontline duo of Nick Rakocevic and Ian Sangalang each had 17 points while Jio Jalalon flirted with a double-double through 13 points and nine assists, but it was the Hotshots making the necessary stops that spelled the big difference in the match.
As a result, Magnolia neutralized a 97-103 loss to Barangay Ginebra last Oct. 23 and improved to a 6-1 record overall after limiting Blackwater to the lowest output in the conference.
"This is probably our best defensive game of the year, that's the key there," said Jason Webb, who subbed for head coach Chito Victolero during the post-game interview.
"We got back to our identity of playing very good defense. That's what was preached the entire two weeks," added Webb.
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Indeed, it was a stark departure from the 96.7 points the Hotshots allowed in its first six games and was largely made possible by the Bossing being held to a 25-of-62 field shooting and 22 turnovers, almost half of those off the former's 10 steals.
It was not as easy as it looked, however, as Magnolia needed to shake off some of the rust that accumulated during its break that was prolonged when its game against Rain or Shine last Saturday was cancelled due to the threat of Typhoon Paeng.
"There was actually a fear during practices na baka maging... nasunog mga players because they were really, really sharp during practices," related Webb.
"But when you look at the first half, we actually weren't sharp. We shot 33 percent in the first quarter, got up to 39," Webb pointed out. "But as the game progressed nakuha na ng mga boys 'yung PBA game again, we got the ball movement."
The Hotshots also got the needed stops while using a balanced offense led to a 14-0 second quarter run that led to a 41-31 lead. A more balanced effort on both ends then plucked them out of a 44-37 halftime count and into as much as an 83-58 spread.
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Ato Ular's 14 points were enough to lead Blackwater, which drew 16 rebounds but only eight points from Cameron Krutwig, as it absorbed its third straight loss to drop to 3-6 overall.
Part of the Bossing's woes could be blamed to Troy Rosario not being able to suit up anew. Baser Amer tried despite a calf strain but only saw action for one minute. (NC)
The Scores:
Magnolia 91 - Rakocevic 17, Sangalang 17, Ahanmisi 14, Jalalon 13, Barroca 9, Abueva 6, Wong 4, Zaldivar 4, Laput 4, Escoto 2, Dionisio 0, Corpuz 0, Mendoza 0.
Blackwater 69 - Ular 14, Jackson 10, McCarthy 9, Krutwig 8, Suerte 6, Ayonayon 5, Ebona 4, Sena 3, Banal 2, Publico 2, Melton 2, Taha 2, Go 2, Amer 0.
Quarters: 19-22, 44-37, 70-55, 91-69
