Sangalang out for 6 months? NLEX eyes solo lead versus TnT

Games today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

4:15 p.m. – Talk n Text vs NLEX 7 p.m. – Blackwater vs Rain or Shine Game tomorrow (Lucena City)5 p.m. – Ginebra vs Kia

MANILA, Philippines - NLEX goes for the early solo lead in the PBA Philippine Cup as the Road Warriors tackle the Talk n Text Tropang Texters at resumption of action at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today,

With San Beda’s five-peat bid in the NCAA done, coach Boyet Fernandez is likely to take the NLEX rein as they seek a follow-up on their come-from-behind 101-96 win over Globalport Tuesday.

Gametime is at 4:15 p.m.

Rain or Shine and Blackwater, which both lost their season debuts, clash in the other game at 7 p.m.

Paul Lee is a doubtful starter for Rain or Shine although he’s been cleared of a major injury on his own bad fall in their game against San Miguel Beer Tuesday.

Over in Lucena tomorrow, Barangay Ginebra and Kia play in the kickoff leg of the Petron Blaze PBA on Tour Saturday series.

The Kings clobbered the Texters, 101-81, while the Sorento ripped the Elite, 80-66, in the season inaugurals Sunday.

Kia playing coach Manny Pacquiao isn’t expected to show up in Lucena since he’s back in his training for his fight with Chris Algieri in Macau in November.

Meanwhile, initial result of Ian Sangalang’s MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test showed the Purefoods sophomore center tore two ligaments in his right knee in a ghastly mishap in their game against Alaska Milk Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

If confirmed, Sangalang will have 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 pop in his right knee. The initial finding was that he suffered not just an ACL tear but another ligament tear,” Pardo also said.

Sangalang grimaced in pain after shakily landing on one foot in a rebound battle with Sam Eman. It took a while before he got up, then after taking charities and limping to go down on defense, he 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 subsequently 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.