Tensions ran high late in Game One of the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series between the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Magnolia Hotshots, Friday night at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Opposing bigs Ian Sangalang and Beau Belga got into a heated exchange with 2:41 left to play after battling for a rebound. Both were restrained and received technical fouls as a consequence.
“Kasi ilang beses na akong tinamaan eh, pero ‘di ko alam kung sinasadya niya,” the 6-foot-7 Sangalang said on what triggered the commotion moments after the Hotshots’ stinging 77-84 loss.
On the other hand, Belga said that he didn’t mean to hit Sangalang.
“It’s part of the game. Hindi mo sinasadya tamaan siya. Siyempre magre-react siya. I was telling him, ‘di ko inattempt tumama,” said the 6-foot-5 bruiser. “Tinamaan din ako ni Paul [Lee] pero play on.
“Not my intention to hit Ian. I hope wala sa kanya. Sa akin okay lang naman.”
The two thankfully aren’t taking it personally. But Belga iterated that playoff basketball will be as physical as it can since their respective campaigns are at stake.
“I think he knows it. Naglalaro na siya, matagal na siya, they’ve been in the semis and in the Finals for many years. And I think Ian knows what physicality is pagdating sa semis,” he said.
Sangalang, meanwhile, said that he’s going to take all the hits he’ll be given as he’s aware of what they are playing for.
“Okay lang ako. Nagka-black eye nga ako noon eh, okay lang. Yun pa kayang mga ganun lang. Basta tignan natin sa Game 2 kung ano pa yung pwede niyang ibigay,” shared the 6-foot-7 big man.
“Sige okay lang, tatanggapin ko.”
