Magnolia forward Zavier Lucero and center Ian Sangalang during a game against Converge in the PBA Philippine Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Magnolia relied on veteran Ian Sangalang plus help from Zavier Lucero and Russell Escoto to defeat Converge, 83-71, and claim its second win in the PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Sangalang scored 18 points while Lucero had the same amount as the Hotshots climbed up to the provisional hold on the early lead in the all-Filipino tournament after holding their own against the FiberXers duo of Justin Arana and rookie Justine Baltazar.

Escoto, on the other hand, was instrumental in Magnolia’s triumph when he put up all of his 11 in the first half that left Converge to play catch up all throughout.

READ: PBA: Ian Sangalang gets taste of Converge bigs in tough duel

Magnolia’s Ian Sangalang and coach Chito Victolero following their win over Converge. @INQUIRERSports #PBA50 pic.twitter.com/3my3G3bdRd

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) April 9, 2025

The Hotshots won back-to-back games to open a conference for the first time since the 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup when they started off at 7-0 before reaching the Finals.

Sangalang also added nine rebounds and four assists, but it was his combination with Lucero in the fourth that enabled Magnolia to hold off the FiberXers.

Converge fell to 1-2, spoiling the double-double efforts of Arana and Baltazar.

READ: PBA: Magnolia hopes past lessons can sustain strong opening this time

Arana had 14 points and 14 rebounds while Baltazar had 11 points and 13 rebounds for the FiberXers.

The game also served as a first battle pitting Sangalang and Abueva against Baltazar, all hailing from the basketball hotbed of Pampanga.

They were also honed under Pampanga governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, who was on the sidelines as Converge’s first assistant coach.