Magnolia may have claimed its second straight win over Titan Ultra in the PBA Philippine Cup, but coach LA Tenorio isn’t exactly in a celebratory mood.
For someone recognized as a PBA Season 49 All-Defensive Team member in the recent Leo Awards, Zavier Lucero has proven time and again that he is as much of a threat on offense.
Lucero delivered another prolific outing as Magnolia beat Titan Ultra, 127-119, to stay perfect in two tries in the Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao Friday, Oct. 17.
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Zavier Lucero is the Player of the Game for the second straight time. | Photo: PBA
Also honored by the PBA Press Corps as the Defensive Player of the Year in a separate ceremony just days ago, the Fil-American produced 23 points he laced with 17 rebounds, four assists and a block for the Hotshots, who rose to a 2-0 record.
It was a follow-up to his 17-point performance in Magnolia's season-opening win against Ginebra, where he was also hailed Player of the Game.
[WATCH: Zavier Lucero shines anew for Magnolia Hotshots | PBA Highlights]
Magnolia's defense left wanting
Five other Hotshot finished in double figures against the Giant Risers.
Veteran Ian Sangalang unloaded 21 points, while Mark Barroca rifled in 16, including seven in a pivotal 13-0 run that enabled Magnolia to enjoy a 105-88 lead at the onset of the fourth.
Also doing their share are Russel Escoto (16), Javi Gomez de Liaño (14) and Jerom Lastimosa (13).
But as impressive as their offense was, Hotshots head coach LA Tenorio found the other department wanting.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Magnolia dispatches Titan Ultra, goes 2-0]
“As much as we want to enjoy and be happy with this game, we gave up 119 points, which is really a bad defensive game for us,” Tenorio said during the presser.
“Yes, we scored 127. That’s good offensively. That’s a positive side… the concern now is really our defense, especially going into Sunday’s game against Meralco. We cannot defend like this.”
Though down by as many as 21 points and with Calvin Abueva still sidelined for the second straight game due to a hamstring injury, Titan Ultra managed to close in before ultimately falling short.
Joshua Munzon once again paced the squad with 28 points, two rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block.
Ato Ular had 17 points and six rebounds for the Giant Risers, who dropped to 1-2.
Magnolia vs Titan Ultra Scores:
MAGNOLIA 127 – Lucero 23, Sanagalang 21, Barroca 16, escoto 16, Gomez de Liano 14, Lastimosa 13, Dela Rosa 9, Alfaro 7, Laput 4, Verano 2, Dionisio 2, Lee 0, Eriobu 0, Taha 0, Gomez 0
TITAN ULTRA 119 – Munzon 28, Ular 17, Balanza 14, Pessumal 13, Koon 12, Cuntapay 10, Sumang 9, Yu 6, Ambohot 6, Flores 4, Melecio 0, Martinez 0
Quarterscores: 27-22, 58-56, 92-88, 127-119
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.