Magnolia regains stride, survives tough challenge from NorthPort

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Magnolia Hotshots Chicken Timplados earned a morale-boosting victory after surviving the NorthPort Batang Pier in a tightly-contested ball game, 104-97, in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup on April 10, 2024, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

It was a nip-and-tuck affair as both squads exchanged scoring runs from the get-go while also trading timely adjustments to turn the game into a see-saw battle.

Magnolia struck first after Paul Lee and James Laput got hot from the field, helping the Chicken Timplados take the early lead in the game.

However, in the second quarter, debuting forward and former UAAP champion Zavier Lucero lifted NorthPort out of the trailing game and provided the much-needed energy to help the Batang Pier retake the lead.

The mano-a-mano duel didn’t end as both squads retook the lead in the second half but Magnolia’s experience rose to the occasion led by the duo of Mark Barroca and Ian Sangalang.

During the last five minutes and Magnolia only clinging to a slim one-point lead, consecutive baskets in the shaded lane by Sangalang enabled them to take control of the pace and the tempo of the game.

With 56 seconds left in the game and Magnolia looking to close out things with a 98-92 lead, Fran Yu sparked NorthPort after scoring five straight markers that trimmed their deficit to just three points, 100-97.

When Magnolia needed someone to sink the clutch shot to officially close the door on NorthPort, it was Barroca who answered the call after draining the cold-blooded dagger in response to Yu’s three-pointer.

Barroca took Yu in an isolation play from the left elbow, drove to his right, and used his strength to knock the defender off his balance to score the step-back jumper.

Sangalang top-scored for Magnolia after firing an efficient 32-point production with 13 big rebounds while Lee and Barroca connived for 25 points.

The Chicken Timplados will look to build a new PBA winning streak if they win their next matchup against the Phoenix Super LPG on April 14, 2024.