Sangalang to undergo knee surgery, out 6 months

Games Friday (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

4:15 p.m. – Talk n Text vs NLEX

7 p.m. – Blackwater vs Rain or Shine

Game Saturday (Lucena City)

5 p.m. – Ginebra vs Kia

MANILA, Philippines – Initial reading of Ian Sangalang’s MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test showed the Purefoods sophomore center/forward tore two ligaments in his right knee in the sorry incident in their game against Alaska Milk Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

If confirmed, Sangalang has to undergo surgery and would need at least a period of six months for recuperation and rehab.

“Initial findings aren’t good. We’re sending the MRI test result to our doctor (Raul Canlas) for his opinion,” Purefoods top official Rene Pardo told The STAR.

“But it really looks bad. He felt something popped in his right knee. The initial finding was that he suffered not just an ACL tear but another ligament tear,” Pardo also said.

Sangalang went down to the floor, grimacing in pain after shakily landing on one foot in a rebounding battle with Sam Eman. He took a while to get up, then after taking charities and limping to go down on defense, was finally substituted. And he headed straight to their dugout checked on by doctors.

“Bad break. First game of the season and he’s out,” said Pardo. “I have to talk to coach Tim (Cone). Do we need to cut short Ping’s (Marc Pingris’) vacation now. Kung sa akin, ayoko. Ping deserves that vacation.”

Purefoods lost Sangalang in that incident and was crushed down, 73-93, by Alaska Milk with its relentless full-court press.

“Alaska played tremendously well and they deserved the win. They prepared hard for us, and that’s what I’m telling my team. As grand slam champion, you’ll be the target of everybody, and you have to be ready,” said Pardo.