Magnolia center Ian Sangalang posts up Converge big man Justine Baltazar in a PBA Philippine Cup game at Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia veteran Ian Sangalang gave nothing but high praises for Converge’s young forces in the paint.

Sangalang powered the Hotshots’ 83-71 win over the FiberXers, 83-71, that kicked off a PBA Philippine Cup doubleheader marking the league’s 50th anniversary at historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Don’t get it twisted, though. The numbers in the score sheet may not show it but Sangalang certainly had some difficulties getting to his tempo.

READ: PBA: Magnolia hopes past lessons can sustain strong opening this time

Ian Sangalang talks about his matchup with the Converge big men, Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar. @INQUIRERSports #PBA50 pic.twitter.com/gBdsGbDvGx

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) April 9, 2025

“With the way they play, I had to respect them because they’re not kids anymore. They don’t play like kids so I needed to respect them,” said Sangalang on Wednesday.

“If you don’t respect them, they’ll eat you alive. You saw how they played in the past few games.”

Sangalang finished just a rebound shy of a double-double with 18 points and nine boards with four assists in 32 minutes

The San Sebastian product may have led his squad to 2-0 early in the conference but he certainly had trouble dealing with  Converge big men Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana, who both recorded double-doubles in the loss.

READ: PBA: Zavier Lucero leads Magnolia rout of Blackwater in opener

Arana finished with 14 points and 14 rebounds while Baltazar registered 11 points and 13 rebounds in his first game against Sangalang.

“I’m happy that I faced him. This is our first time matching up,” Sangalang said of Baltazar.

“You just really have to respect that kid. He plays so well right now and I’m happy that he’s in the PBA now.”

Up next for Magnolia is San Miguel Beer on Wednesday at Araneta Coliseum.