Ian Sangalang. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Magnolia has been on a steady rise in the crucial stretch of the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup.
The Hotshots’ ascent from the bottom of the standings is due in large part to their star big man Ian Sangalang, who has been his team’s most consistent performer.
In Magnolia’s critical week where it went 2-0 against NorthPort and Blackwater, Sangalang delivered on both ends, averaging 18 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.5 blocks.
The 27-year-old Sangalang collected 20 points, four rebounds and two blocks in a 103-90 win over the Batang Pier on Wednesday.
Then, he followed it up just two nights later with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds on top of five assists and a block in a 97-87 victory over the Elite.
With Sangalang leading the way, the Hotshots climbed to sixth place at 5-5 after opening the season with three consecutive losses.
The former San Sebastian standout beat teammates Paul Lee and Rodney Brondial, San Miguel’s Alex Cabagnot, Ginebra forward Japeth Aguilar, Alaska wingman Jeron Teng and NorthPort’s Stanley Pringle for the weekly citation.