IAN Sangalang and Mark Barroca are now coming off the bench for Magnolia in the first two games of the PBA Philippine Cup, in total contrast to last edition of the all-local conference where the veteran duo started in all 13 games.
Sangalang had 21 points and five rebounds, and Barroca had 16 points and seven assists for the Hotshots in their 127-119 win over Titan Ultra last Friday. The two are embracing the role that they are carrying under first-year head coach LA Tenorio.
“If they can play like that coming off the bench, medyo advantage sa amin ‘yun,” said Tenorio. “The starters, the young players will set the tone and then the vets will increase the energy and setting the tone.”
“Magkakaroon pa rin ng continuous momentum with the bench. Parang hindi nababawasan ‘yung level ng laro namin,” the rookie PBA coach added.
READ: Magnolia puts away gritty Titan, stays unbeaten under Tenorio
Sangalang and Barroca both have no problems with their new roles.
“I’m not sure kung ‘yun na talaga ‘yung role ko kung hanggang this elimination. Very comfortable naman ako. Sanay naman ako sa ganun. Before naman, nangyayari naman sa akin ‘yun,” Sangalang said.
The kapampangan center is providing added depth with Zavier Lucero leading the charge in the frontcourt of the Hotshots. Sangalang and Lucero complemented each other against Titan Ultra with Lucero finishing with 23 points and 17 rebounds in the win.
Barroca, on the other hand, is backing up Magnolia’s young guards led by Jerom Lastimosa, who has scored in double figures in the first two games of the Hotshots.
“Kasi nga maganda naman ‘yung tinatakbo ng first group namin. Why not diba?” said Barroca.
“Isa naman ‘yung goal namin is ‘yung manalo. Kung ano ‘yung gusto ni Coach LA sa amin, embrace namin ‘yun kasi malaki ang respect namin kay Coach LA.”
The two veterans coming off the bench is also helping the young players gain more experience in preparation for a playoff run by Magnolia -- while keeping the vets fresh for that post-season push.
“Malaking bagay sa amin ‘yun kasi siyempre sa mileage namin dito sa paglalaro namin para sa darating na playoffs, mas fresh kami," the 39-year-old Barroca continued.
‘Yun naman ‘yung pinag-uusapan namin ni coach LA kasi alam naming na may plano sa amin especially sa amin na nagkaka-edad. Kaya naman ineencourage namin ‘yung first group na kailangan maging consistent at set ng tone sila lagi sa game."
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