Magnolia Hotshots’ Twin Threat: Sangalang and Lucero Power Past Converge

In a high-stakes battle of twin towers, Magnolia Hotshots showcased grit, composure, and bench depth as they overpowered Converge FiberXers with an 83-71 win in the PBA Philippine Cup at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum. This victory not only underscored Magnolia’s strong early form this season but also emphasized the impact of seasoned big men like Ian Sangalang and rising star Zavier Lucero, who played pivotal roles in the Hotshots’ second straight win.

Magnolia’s Red-Hot Start

The win elevated Magnolia’s record to 2-0, marking their first such start in the Philippine Cup since 2021 and their first strong opening in any conference since going 7-0 in the 2022 Commissioner’s Cup. The team’s commanding form hints at the possibility of another deep playoff run, though head coach Chito Victolero insists on a grounded approach.

Victolero’s philosophy revolves around consistency and execution. “That’s the preparation,” he explained, emphasizing that each player is expected to deliver when called upon, regardless of the opponent or the situation. It’s a mindset that’s paying off early in the season.

“We want to have fresh legs every time,” Victolero added, highlighting the importance of proper player rotation and veteran load management—especially for key players like Mark Barroca and Paul Lee.

Dominance in the Paint: Sangalang and Lucero Lead the Charge

The central storyline of the match was Magnolia’s ability to outplay Converge’s much-hyped frontcourt pairing of Justin Arana and Ben Mbala. Despite the youth and size advantage Converge seemingly had, it was Ian Sangalang and Zavier Lucero who emerged victorious in the battle of the bigs.

Both players scored 18 points each, combining for 14 rebounds, and ignited a powerful fourth-quarter run that ultimately broke the game wide open. Their physical presence, skillful footwork, and high basketball IQ neutralized Converge’s interior advantage.

For Sangalang, a 33-year-old PBA veteran, the challenge of facing younger frontliners only served to fuel his performance. Reflecting on his mindset entering the game, he said:

“Nirespeto ko lang sila. Kasi, ‘yung dalawang iyon hindi na bata sa laro. Kung hindi mo sila i-re-respeto kakainin ka ng buong-buo.”

(“I gave them respect because those two aren’t new to the game. If you don’t respect them, they’ll eat you alive.”)

Lucero, on the other hand, continued to build on the promise he showed as a collegiate star and now as a crucial piece in Magnolia’s rotation. His energy, two-way play, and clutch scoring ability are becoming increasingly vital for a team aiming for championship contention.

Supporting Cast Steps Up

While Sangalang and Lucero led the charge, Magnolia’s win was far from a two-man show. The Hotshots received significant contributions from their role players, proving once again that depth is one of their greatest assets.

Russel Escoto: Steady Contributor

Russel Escoto quietly turned in an efficient performance with 11 points, providing timely buckets and playing within the team’s system. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions gives Victolero much-needed flexibility in managing his rotation.

Rome dela Rosa: The X-Factor in the Fourth

One of the game’s biggest turning points came in the fourth quarter, when Rome dela Rosa scored seven of his nine points, helping Magnolia pull away from a precarious 65-60 advantage. His offense sparked the run that gave Magnolia its first double-digit lead at 78-66, effectively putting the game out of reach for the FiberXers.

Victolero credited his bench for embracing their roles and rising to the occasion when it mattered most.

“The other guys helped us a lot. Credit to all the players because they embraced kung ano man ginagawa namin ngayon,” he said.

Converge’s Twin Towers: Strong Stats, but Limited Impact

Converge entered the game relying on the strength of their young frontcourt tandem—Justin Arana and Ben Baltazar. And while both produced respectable stat lines, they struggled to dominate the game as expected.

• Arana posted another double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, continuing his trend of consistent statistical production.

• Baltazar contributed with 11 points and 13 rebounds, showcasing his mobility and touch around the basket.

Despite their efforts, the duo couldn’t turn the tide against Magnolia’s organized defense and strategic fourth-quarter run. The FiberXers now find themselves with a 1-2 record and a few lingering questions about how they can better capitalize on their frontline talent.

Game Flow and Turning Points

The game began as a gritty, defensive battle with neither team pulling away early. However, Magnolia’s patient offensive execution and tough interior defense began to wear down Converge’s resolve as the game progressed.

First Three Quarters: Neck-and-Neck Battle

Magnolia and Converge traded leads in the first half, with both teams committing to their respective game plans. Converge sought to dominate the glass and score from second-chance opportunities, while Magnolia focused on ball movement and pick-and-roll executions.

By the end of the third quarter, the game remained close, with Magnolia clinging to a narrow lead at 65-60. However, that’s when things took a sharp turn.

Fourth Quarter Surge

In the final period, Magnolia exploded behind Lucero, Sangalang, and dela Rosa, stretching the lead and playing lockdown defense. The FiberXers, meanwhile, faltered offensively, unable to find reliable scoring options or break through Magnolia’s pressure.

The Hotshots used a 13-6 run to build a cushion, anchored by key baskets from their veteran core and supported by seamless bench play. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Hotshots had not only secured a convincing win but also sent a strong message to the rest of the league.

Coaching Strategy: Victolero’s Rotational Mastery

Head coach Chito Victolero continued to showcase his strength in managing player fatigue and maximizing contributions from all parts of his roster. After using 15 players in their previous win over Blackwater, he opted for a slightly trimmed 13-man rotation in this game, still managing to keep his core fresh and energized.

His strategic use of veterans, in particular, caught attention. Both Barroca and Lee were rotated wisely to preserve their legs for crunch time, ensuring that Magnolia maintained offensive execution when it mattered most.

Victolero’s system relies on team-first basketball, selflessness, and defensive intensity. These principles were clearly reflected in this performance, with every player understanding and executing their roles effectively.

Key Takeaways

Magnolia’s Early Form Looks Promising

At 2-0, the Magnolia Hotshots have positioned themselves as early contenders in the Philippine Cup. Their combination of veteran leadership, young energy, and tactical discipline makes them a tough matchup for any team in the league.

Depth is Their Secret Weapon

More than just the starting lineup, it’s Magnolia’s bench depth that gives them a crucial edge. With contributors like Escoto, dela Rosa, and Lucero all playing key roles, the Hotshots don’t need to rely on any single superstar to win games.

Sangalang Still Has Plenty Left in the Tank

At 33, Ian Sangalang remains one of the most reliable big men in the league. His poise, experience, and physicality continue to serve Magnolia well—especially against younger, more athletic opponents.

Converge Has Talent, But Needs Cohesion

The Converge FiberXers have one of the most promising frontcourts in the league, but they need to convert individual talent into team wins. Whether that means tweaking offensive schemes or improving defensive communication, the FiberXers have work to do if they want to be a serious contender.

Looking Ahead

Magnolia will look to extend their unbeaten run in the next outing, while Converge will aim to bounce back and find consistency. The Philippine Cup is a long journey, but early trends suggest that the Hotshots are not only ready for the grind—they’re thriving in it.

If their current form holds, Magnolia could very well replicate, if not surpass, their strong showings in previous conferences. But as Coach Victolero wisely pointed out, it’s all about focusing on one game at a time.