Magnolia weathers Fajardo, Beermen to strike first in Philippine Cup finals

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Magnolia Hotshots outplayed four-time defending champions San Miguel in Game One of the PBA Philippine Cup finals, 99-94, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

Banking on the offense of Paul Lee, Jio Jalalon and Mark Barroca, the Hotshots were able to withstand a big game from June Mar Fajardo.

Fajardo finished with a double-double (35 points, 21 rebounds).

Magnolia used a big third quarter to pull themselves ahead of the Beermen.

Despite trading runs with their opponents, the Hotshots were able to keep SMB at bay until the final buzzer.

Ian Sangalang hit a clutch jumper with a minute to go in the game to increase Magnolia's lead to three, 97-94.

SMB hopes to even the series on Friday.