PBA: Magnolia mauls Converge by 31 to open Philippine cup campaign

Magnolia opened a new campaign with a resounding win after thrashing hapless Converge, 106-75, in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The Hotshots overcame a slow start before pulling away for good in the second quarter to go 1-0 while keeping the FiberXers winless at 0-5. 

Magnolia showed no signs of fatigue in the lopsided victory as it was coming off a grueling finals series in the previous Commissioner's Cup against San Miguel, which the Beermen won in six games. 

Ian Sangalang led the way with 17 points and three rebounds while Jio Jalalon and Calvin Abueva each poured in 14 markers with the latter chipping in seven assists, five steals, and three boards. 

Justin Arana once again was among the bright spots for Converge as the reigning top rookie churned out a team-high 17 points, six rebounds, and two assists, but his efforts went to waste as they fell to a deeper hole in the conference. 

Scores:

Magnolia 106 – Sangalang 17, Jalalon 14, Abueva 14, Barroca 12, Dela Rosa 8, Tartter 8, Lee 7, Laput 6, Ahanmisi 5, Escoto 4, Eriobu 3, Dionisio 2, Corpuz 2, Mendoza 0.

Converge 75 – Arana 17, Stockton 15, Santos 13, Caralipio 8, Winston 8, Delos Santos 6, Maagdenberg 3, Fornilos 2, Nieto 2, Balanza 1, Fleming 0, Andrade 0, Melecio 0, Ambohot 0, Zaldivar 0.

Quarters: 24-20, 53-39, 79-59, 106-75.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News