NorthPort's Zav Lucero gave Magnolia's Ian Sangalang a hard time in compiling his career-high offensive output in their PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup skirmish on Wednesday, April 10.
With Magnolia reeling from two straight losses, Ian Sangalang felt a sense of urgency to step up for his team.
He delivered big time.
Sangalang fired a career-high 32 points and hauled down 13 rebounds as the Hotshots eked out a 104-97 win over NorthPort in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, April 10.
Putting up a tour de force against the Batang Pier was not a walk in the park for Sangalang, though, no thanks to counterpart Zav Lucero.
[ALSO READ: PBA: Magnolia repels NorthPort, regains winning touch]
The cager from Pampanga admitted having a tough time as the two ace forwards wound up going head-to-head on most occasions. Lucero finished with 18 points and seven rebounds, his best game yet in a NorthPort uniform.
Sangalang is relishing the competition despite the challenge posted by the former University of the Philippines star.
“OK na OK 'yung matchup. Medyo pinagod niya ako kasi takbo siya nang takbo. Nakailang layup siya sa fastbreak,” said Sangalang, smiling.
“Pero part of the game. At least, next time, alam ko na 'yung gagawin.”
[ALSO READ: PBA: Beau Belga earns Player of the Week nod following historic first triple-double showing]
Sangalang's impressive double-double showing helped Magnolia recover from stinging twin defeats against Ginebra and NLEX.
“Wake-up call para sa’min 'yung dalawang sunod na talo,” Sangalang said after his team got back in the win column for an even 2-2 slate at eighth.
Hotshots coach Chito Victolero agreed.
“Katulad ng sinabi ni Ian, we have our backs against the wall because we don’t want na maging 1-3 kasi all of the teams are improving,” Victolero said.
Sangalang and the rest of the crew look to sustain their fine play in the hopes of making the playoffs.
Up next for Magnolia is eleventh-running Phoenix (1-4) on Sunday, April 14, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.