By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Magnolia Hotshots Chicken Timplados interrupted the connection of the Converge FiberXers, 83-71, to stay unbeaten in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup on April 9, 2025, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
With another double-digit victory, the Chicken Timplados improved to an impressive 2-0 win-loss record and are having one of their best starts since the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
After a nip-and-tuck affair in the first three quarters, Magnolia suddenly caught fire and capitalized on Converge’s early defensive miscues to cap off the fourth frame with a 24-15 scoring advantage.
Magnolia adjusted to what Converge was bringing defensively, as they were more focused on limiting the Chicken Timplados’ attempt from the three-point line and in the perimeter.
Answering the call for the SMC-backed franchise was veteran frontcourt star Ian Sangalang. The decorated big man converted most of his shots from the paint and schooled Converge’s single coverage defensive scheme on him.
Sangalang heated up midway through the final canto that steered Magnolia’s lead back to double digits. After several sweep-through moves that freed him up for a baby hook, the leftie center kept his offense unpredictable and scored in a variety of ways, including his dream shake that kissed the net at will.
Picking up where Sangalang left off was Zavier Lucero who clinched his second consecutive double-digit scoring performance.
The energetic power forward from the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons boosted Magnolia with his relentless pursuit for offensive rebounds and got to the cup when Converge sagged off in the pick-and-roll.
Aside from his offensive clinic, Lucero also anchored the Magnolia interior defense after bothering tons of Converge’s attempts from the shaded lane with his length and mobility.
Sangalang finished Magnolia’s convincing win with a near double-double outing of 18 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Meanwhile, Lucero, also delivered the same offensive stats as his senior alongside five boards and two blocks.
On the other hand, the FiberXers had 28 points combined from Justin Arana and Schonny Winston but Sangalang’s early explosion proved to be too much for the retooled Converge team.
The Chicken Timplados will aim to extend their undefeated streak to three games on April 16, 2025, against the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen squad that is coming off a dominant dub against the Meralco Bolts.
