Ian Sangalang was an image of calmness in an emotionally-charged Honda PBA Philippine Cup semifinal clash between Magnolia and Meralco, Sunday.
The 6-foot-7 slotman hardly seemed affected by the physicality that ensued in the series opener. He produced a game-high 18 points on 42-percent shooting and eight rebounds to help the Hotshots take the 88-79 Game One win.
“Sabi nga ni Coach Chito [Victolero], semis na ‘to so madami talagang emotion,” he said moments after the match at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
“Kami, ako, doon ako nacha-challenge sa mga nangyayari na ‘yun. Once na mangyari ‘yun, parang ginaganahan ako. Kailangan gawin ko ‘to, kailangan mag-step up ako,” the 29-year-old furthered.
Altercations took place in the heated affair, beginning with bruising forwards Cliff Hodge and Jackson Corpuz at the 3:49-mark of the opening frame. Both men were then assessed with technical fouls each.
Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero had a spat with Bolts center Raymond Almazan with 1:48 left in the game. It resulted in technical fouls as well, although it didn’t take long for the two to patch things up.
And just when the battle had ended with both teams already in the middle of the customary postgame handshake, cameras caught veteran gunner Allein Maliksi talking to someone from the Hotshots.
Sangalang, however, did not let all of that distract him. And that was truly evident with the way he came through for his crew.
“Kaming lahat, hindi lang ako, nagawa namin ‘yung trabaho namin. Kaya kami nanalo sa game na ‘to kasi na-handle namin yung emotion na yun,” he said. “Once na na-handle namin ‘yun, wala kaming iniisip, laro lang kami.
“And, sila Coach na bahala sa sideline, mananalo kami. ‘Yun ‘yung pinag-usapan namin – stop complaining, tanggalin namin ‘yung emotion namin, maglaro lang kami, mananalo kami,” added the eight-year pro.
As the adage goes, cooler heads prevail.
