Just like their PBA Philippine Cup Finals meeting last season, the Magnolia Hotshots have drawn first blood against defending four-time conference champions and long-time rivals San Miguel Beermen in their 2019 rematch.
But as elated as they are over their 99-94 Game One win, some think that history might repeat itself.
In last year’s All-Filipino title bout, the Hotshots also took the curtain-raiser of the best-of-seven series. They then blew their lead and allowed the Beermen to win the next four games en route to their fourth consecutive crown.
Ian Sangalang knows how painful it was. But he is certain that what happened in the past won’t happen again.
“Ibang usapan na ngayon. Marami na kaming pinagdaanan,” said the 6-foot-7 center, whose Magnolia overcame a 0-3 start in this conference and early deficits in the quarterfinals and semifinals before making their way back to the Big Dance.
Still, the six-year pro out of San Sebastian isn’t dwelling on the heartbreaking defeat. Sangalang’s focus is on what is in front of him, and he’s glad that the Hotshots have taken a 1-0 lead in the series.
“Masarap,” said Sangalang, who finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds with two blocks. His outing was highlighted by the elbow jumper with 1:16 left to play, which doused SMB, who knocked within one from a nine-point deficit.
“Well, malaking bagay yung maka-una ka talaga, parang meron ka ng baon.”
But the Grand Slam winner refuses to celebrate too much, as Game Two will be this Friday already. And Sangalang said that the Hotshots intend to win once more to gain a 2-0 advantage and put the pressure on the Beermen.
“Sa next game ‘di ka pwedeng maging relax[ed] diyan kasi if once na makuha namin next game, pupunta sa kanila yung pressure. At ‘pag ma-pressure namin sila, magkakaroon sila ng sakit ng ulo para gawan kami ng paraan,” he said.
“Buhos kami next game.”
