Magnolia escapes Rain or Shine to draw first blood in PBA Philippine Cup quarters

The Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok survived a pesky Rain or Shine Elastopainters squad to take Game 1 of their best-of-three quarterfinals series in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup, 81-70, Sunday in Pampanga.

Paul Lee led the Hotshots in scoring with 20 points while Ian Sangalang had a double-double performance of 19 points and 13 rebounds. Calvin Abueva, meanwhile, chipped in with eight points and 13 boards.

Trailing 47-32 at the end of the first half, the Hotshots pulled away at the third period after a 21-point performance, limiting the Elastopainters to just eight points and ended the quarter at 60-50.

With their backs against the wall, Rain or Shine rookie Leonard Santillan tried to take over and made 13 of his team's 20 points in the final period. However, Paul Lee's triple at the 1:10 mark proved to be crucial to give them enough cushion, 77-67, and eventually win the game.

Santillan had a total of 17 markers and 12 boards, while Rey Nambatac and Javee Mocon added 16 and 11 points each.

The two teams are expected to be back in action for Game 2 this week.

The scores:

Magnolia 81 – Lee 20, Sangalang 19, Dela Rosa 10, Jalalon 10, Barroca 8, Abueva 8, Corpuz 4, Pascual 2, Reavis 0, Ahanmisi 0, Dionisio 0.

Rain or Shine 70 – Santillan 17, Nambatac 16, Mocon 11, Belga 8, Borboran 5,  Caracut 3, Norwood 3, Ponferada 3, Torres 2, Yap 2, Wong 0, Asistio 0.

Quarters : 21-16, 37-42, 60-50, 81-70.

—JMB, GMA News