PBA: Ian Sangalang relishes playing vs. fellow Kapampangan Justine Baltazar

Magnolia’s Ian Sangalang #10 vs. Converge’s Justine Baltazar #19. Photo from PBA Images.MANILA — Ian Sangalang was vital in the Magnolia Hotshots’ perfect start in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.

The 6-foot-6 veteran put up an 18-point, nine-rebound game with four assists to power Magnolia vs. the Converge FiberXers on Tuesday, and this not only helped them move up to 2-0.

It also meant that Sangalang got one over his fellow Kapampangan star, Justine Baltazar.

READ: Lucero, Sangalang star as Magnolia dumps Converge for 2nd straight win

“Sobrang hirap niya kalaban, pero nakaka-motivate din kasi alam naman natin saan siya nanggaling,” said the San Sebastian College product of the former De La Salle University big who had 11 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, and a block.

“Alam natin yung mga pinagdaanan ng bata at yung mga pinaglaruan niya, kaya nakakatuwa yung bata na nakakalaban ko siya,” he added.

Aside from relishing his matchup vs. the 6-foot-7 two-time MPBL MVP, Sangalang believes that what needs to be given attention is how young stars like Baltazar are currently making an immediate impact for their respective squads.

“Nae-excite ako na makalaban siya, at ma-feel yung laro niya,” he said. “Sa totoo lang, kailangan rin talaga yun, yung respeto sa bata, kasi grabe talaga sila maglaro ngayon.”

Fortunately for Sangalang, he also has a promising neophyte on his side in Zav Lucero who has been impressive in their perfect start.

“Yung laro nila, talagang lumalabas so lumuluwag ako sa ilalim,” Sangalang pointed out. “Nakabutas sila Zav, so gumanda yung laro ko.”