Magnolia grabbed its fifth win in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup. But coach LA Tenorio noticed one issue that his squad needs to urgently address.
Magnolia coach LA Tenorio expressed his concern over his squad's inability to start strong in the ongoing PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Tenorio made this remark after the Hotshots’ 90-75 win over Blackwater Friday night, Nov. 14.
Magnolia trailed by as many as 12 points, 24-36, in the second quarter, where it sputtered with just 16 points to its opponent's 26.
“We cannot really start like this all the time,” said Tenorio during the post-game presser at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
“Hindi puwedeng parati kaming naghahabol. I’d rather [choose] na kami 'yong hinahabol kaysa kami ang naghahabol."
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The Hotshots trailed 34-41 at the turn, but they eventually got their rhythm going, using a 15-0 run to turn the tide in the third quarter.
Magnolia thus hiked its mark to 5-2 for a share of the second spot with San Miguel, NLEX, Rain or Shine and later, Converge, which shocked Ginebra in the main game, 106-96.
Magnolia to use PBA break to address issue
Tenorio is already wary of this early trend, prompting him to issue a stern reminder to his players to end this habit after the league's lengthy break.
The PBA is giving way to Gilas Pilipinas' preparations and participation in Window 1 of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Javi Gomez de Liaño topscores for Magnolia. | Photo: PBA Images
Still, Tenorio commended his players for stepping up.
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Javi Gomez de Liaño led the third quarter uprising, dropping 10 of his team-high 17 points there to flip the script against the Bossing, who are eager to end their misery.
Also shining for Magnolia was Ian Sangalang, with his 16 markers, nine rebounds and five assists.
Zavier Lucero also turned in a double-double of 13 points and 10 boards.
Raffy Verano emerged as Player of the Game as he scored 12 points, seven of which in the fourth, while Jerom Lastimosa registered 10.
“I really challenge my starting five, [which is] composed of five young players. I know they’re very talented, they’re capable of winning games for us,” Tenorio said.
“The important thing is for them to play together from the start and set the tone for us. 'Yon ang nagiging problem namin.”
[WATCH: PBA LIVESTREAM: Magnolia Hotshots vs Blackwater Bossing | Season 50 Philippine Cup]
Meanwhile, Sedrick Barefield paced Blackwater with 16 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Dalph Panopio added 14 markers, and Richard Escoto fired 12 points for the Bossing, who lost six straight matches for a 1-6 card.
Magnolia vs Blackwater Scores:
MAGNOLIA 90 – Gomez de Liano 17, Sangalang 16, Lucero 13, Verano 12, Lastimosa 10, Barroca 7, Eriobu 5, Lee 4, Dela Rosa 3, Taha 2, Alfaro 1, Koon 0
BLACKWATER 75 – Barefield 16, Panopio 14, Escoto 12, Dumont 9, Andrade 6, Tratter 5, David 5, Mendoza 4, Zamar 2, Una 2, Murrell 0, Mallilin 0, Jopia 0
Quarterscores: 18-15, 34-41, 64-55, 90-75
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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.