Magnolia Hotshots’ Ian Sangalang blocks Meralco Bolts’ Chris Banchero throughout a sport within the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia emerged victorious over Meralco in a rain-pestered matchup, 105-88, within the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday evening.
The Hotshots took benefit of the lengthy break prompted by venue points contained in the Manila sporting complicated to maneuver as much as 3-3 in Group B.
“When the sport stopped, all of us talked heading into the fourth quarter and mentioned, whoever will get begin [in the fourth] could have a much bigger likelihood of successful as a result of the opposite facet will likely be chilly,” Ian Sangalang mentioned in Filipino after dropping a double-double of 16 factors and 10 rebounds.
“We wanted to dig deep as a result of we rested for some time and happily, we have been in a position to do it.”
Nonetheless no resumption of play right here contained in the Ninoy Aquino Stadium between the Bolts and the Hotshots.
The sport was halted earlier than the beginning of the fourth quarter as a result of rook leakage from robust rains. #PBA50 | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/ifQIwrJiOA
— INQUIRER Sports activities (@inquirersports) August 7, 2026
Magnolia held a slim 71-70 lead over Meralco on the finish of the third quarter.
Nonetheless, water from roof leaks reached the hardwood as a result of robust Habagat rains, delaying the sport for nearly half-hour.
When the motion resumed, Magnolia got here out firing.
The Hotshots opened the fourth interval with a powerful 19-5 run capped by a basket by Zavier Lucero with 5:11 to play to construct a 90-75 lead over Meralco.
Meralco managed to chop the deficit to 10, 95-85, however Jerom Lastimosa’s and-one play with 2:20 remaining successfully put the sport out of attain.
KJ Buffen led Magnolia on offense with 27 factors whereas Lastimosa and Lucero added 17 and 10 factors, respectively.
The Bolts dropped their fourth straight sport to fall to 2-5, regardless of 24 factors from Antonio Hester. Jayson Brickman and Chris Newsome added 19 and 17 factors, respectively, whereas the returning CJ Cansino chipped in 15.
