Colegio de San Juan de Letran earned a much-needed win against Mapua University on Saturday thanks to Louie Sangalang’s heroics.
And Louie Sangalang scored a game-high this game, scoring 21 points and five rebounds, leading his team to their 13th win of the season.
Sangalang, 24 and a native of Orani, Bataan, admitted that he felt the need to bounce back after an embarrassing loss to San Beda University in their previous game — their only elimination sweep loss of the season.
“Sobrang wake up call yung nangyari sa Beda, yung parang lahat kami wala sa sarili.
“Kailangan talaga namin bumounce back e kasi sobrang panget nung nilaro namin sa Beda talaga. As in buong game wala kaming naexecute na plays ganon. Kaya kailangan namin bumounce back kasi wala din si Coach Bonnie [Tan]. So para kay Coach Bonnie yung panalo na tong laro namin,” said Sangalang, dedicating the win to their head tactician who wasn’t able to suit-up this game due to health and safety protocol.
It was a far better outing for Sangalang after only scoring eight points last game with a minus-18 in the box plus/minus category.
The 6-foot-4 bruiser is well aware that this is an actual must win game to further strengthen their top spot and as well to get the twice-to-beat advantage come the Final Four.
“Importante talaga yung game samin e. Kasi kung matatalo kami kanina bababa talaga kami. Syempre lahat naman siguro yung goal yung top two para ma twice-to-beat advantage,” Sangalang admitted.
“Kaya need namin to pati yung next game — must win.”
Despite playing big time this game, Sangalang did not forget to give credit to his teammates while giving a special mention to Kurt Reyson who had a well-rounded performance with nine points, five rebounds, and six assists.
“Thankful din ako kasi yung mga teammates ko talagang alam nila na swerte ako kaya binibigyan ako nila ng kumpyansa hanggang sa huli lalo na kay Reyson kasi siya yung pumasa non. Shoutout kay [Kurt] Reyson, minsan lang mamasa,” Sangalang quipped.
Sangalang and the Knights will play their final game of the eliminations against Jose Rizal University on Wednesday.
