Sangalang gives San Mig Coffee lift in Game 3 win over Rain or Shine

By: Mark Giongco - 10 years ago

Video by INQUIRER.net’s Ryan Leagogo

MANILA, Philippines — Rookie Ian Sangalang showed veteran poise in a key stretch to help San Mig Coffee beat Rain or Shine, 78-69, and move a win away from a Grand Slam in the 2014 PBA Governors’ Cup Saturday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Sangalang sparked the Mixers’ telling 12-2 run in a three-minute span that changed the complexion of the game. The former NCAA and PBA D-League MVP scored six of his 13 points during that crucial stretch.”You can’t talk about it (Grand Slam) until it’s done,” San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone said. “We can’t afford to do that. We just have too much respect for this team. This is the mentally strongest team you will ever play, they just don’t break.””Ian stepped up. He was huge, he was the one who gave us that lead,” Cone added of the second overall pick.

James Yap of San Mig (light) vs Jireh Ibanez of Rain or Shine (dark). NUKI SABIO/PBA

The Elasto Painters took a 59-58 lead early in the fourth quarter after back-to-back baskets by Beau Belga before the Mixers pulled away behind Sangalang, who finished with 13 points and three rebounds off the bench.

San Mig Coffee’s topnotch defense also forced Rain or Shine to a slew of turnovers in the fourth quarter. Marqus Blakely scored 17 points and 17 rebounds, including a tip in off his own miss, that gave his team a 76-66 lead with 3:40 left.

Two-time Best Import Arizona Reid fired a game-high 31 points but didn’t get enough help with Rain or Shine’s top locals Jeff Chan, Paul Lee and Beau Belga held to single digits.

The Mixers on the other hand, had eight players with at least six points. Joe Devance and PJ Simon added 10 apiece.

San Mig Coffee shoots for a fourth straight title and a rare Grand Slam in Game 4 on Monday.