San Mig Super Coffee, except for its slow start, seemed to be in perfect blend and that should keep its rivals doubly wary.
Exactly two weeks since notching the Philippine Cup title–its second consecutive crown–at the expense of Rain or Shine in six games, San Mig Super Coffee struggled against GlobalPort in the early goings but unleashed its full might in the decisive second quarter, exploding for 31 big points while limiting its rivals to just 12 that set up the stage for the emphatic win.
In that telling canto, the Mixers unloaded a merciless 25-7 run behind their crisp ball movement and unrelenting defense from their shock troopers, led by power forward Ian Sangalang, that enabled them to overhaul a 16-20 deficit and threw the Batang Pier off-balance.
The 6-foot-6 Sangalang, the second overall pick in last year’s draft, fired 11 of his 16 points in that game-turning quarter on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting from the field as the Mixers seized full control and held off the late-charge of the Batang Pier with ease.
GlobalPort, which suffered its third straight setback under new head coach Pido Jarencio, tried hard and fought back mainly behind the exploits of import Evan Brock and power forward Jay Washignton, razing what once a 19-point deficit to just eight markers, the last at 72-80, midway in the payoff period.
However, San Mig Super Coffee mustered another big run courtesy of an 11-3 windup anchored on its sustained pressure defense.
Despite a so-so 15-point, six-rebound outing from import James Mays who was plagued by foul trouble, five players, led by Sangalang, scored at least 10 markers for the Mixers, who shot a solid 44.9 percent (35-of-78) from the field overall–spiked by a remarkable 12-of-16 outing in the second canto–anchored on 21 assists.
Going down the drain with the Batang Pier’s defeat was the monstrous 27-point, 28-rebound performance from Brock.
The Main Man: Ian Sangalang remains as one silent yet deadly assassin for the Mixers.
Coming off the bench anew, the former NCAA MVP sparked the team’s decisive push in the second canto, pumping in 11 big points while making all of his five attempts from the field.
In their 31-point output in the second, 21 of those came from the second unit that also includes guards Mark Barroca, Justine Melton, wingman Alex Mallari and center Rafi Reavis.
Honorable Mention: With import James Mays groping for form, Marc Pingris continued to provide the inside presence for the Mixers as he banged in a double-double outing of 13 markers and 12 boards plus five assists, two steals and a block in 32 minutes of play.
Game Turning Point: With the entry of its second unit, things started to go in favor of San Mig Super Coffee, which scored 25 of the first 32 points in the second canto that quickly wiped out a four-point deficit and helped them build a 41-27 cushion en route to the cruising win.
He Said It:
San Mig Super Coffee coach Tim Cone: “I think we're a little different this time around. The hangover was last conference because of the injuries we had. The key right now is really our second group. We want our first group to be ready, keep them fresh and get them ready at the right time. Our second group allows us to limit the minutes of Ping (Marc Pingirs), James (Yap), Joe (Devance) and PJ (Simon). Hopefully, we can get to the playoffs with our second group. Our second group is out there who are really eager to play.”
The scores:
SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE 91 - Sangalang 16, Mays 15, Pingris 13, Barroca 11, Simon 10, Yap 10, Melton 7, Mallari 5, Devance 4, Cawaling 0, Reavis 0.
GLOBALPORT 75 - Brock 27, Washington 14, Garcia 9, Ponferrada 8, Chua 6, Cabagnot 5, Nabong 2, Romeo 2, Macapagal 2, Yee 0, Salvador 0, Custodio 0.
Quarter: 16-20, 47-32, 70-58, 91-75.
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