Unlikely key role for Sangalang

Outshone by Magnolia’s four pesky guards all season long, lanky Ian Sangalang finally turned hero in lifting the Hotshots out of a potentially fatal 0-3 hole in their 2019 PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series with the surprising Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

The 6-foot-7 power forward-center from Lubao, Pampanga, came back from a scoreless first half to fire 16 points in the last quarter where the Hotshots outscored the Elasto Painters, 28-11, to get back in contention in the best-of-seven series for a championship slot.

The southpaw Sangalang delivered his last six points in the closing nine-point Magnolia run for the final 85-74 score and preserved his streak of double-digit figures this season. He had 13 each when Rain or Shine, the No. 2 team in the elims, won the first two games of the series, 84-77, and 93-80.

After a five-day Lenten break, action is expected to be tougher and more exciting when the series resumes today. Game 5 is set Wednesday. If necessary, Game 6 will be on Friday with Sunday reserved for a Game 7.

Still confident of reaching its first all-Filipino championship stint since the 2013-2014 season, Rain or Shine again shoots for a 2-1 lead hoping that James Yap would regain his feared shooting form and Gilas Pilipinas mainstay Raymond Almazan, still to see action in the semis, recover from a foot injury.

Yap managed only 22 points in the first three games with the league’s 2009 MVP nailing only six the last time out. Almazan, who was injured as Gilas prepared for the fifth window of the Fiba World Cup eliminations recently, is an offensive asset who can give Sangalang no room to work under the basket.

The fully rested Hotshots, who played six games in 11 days, should be in murderous forms again since crushing the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, 85-72, in their Game 3 quarterfinal playoff last April 10.

While Paul Lee remained a big worry for Rain or Shine, the hustle and shooting of the other Magnolia guards Mark Barroca, Jio Jalalon and Justin Melton remained missing for the Hotshots, who are bidding to seal another title clash with defending champion San Miguel Beer.