Snapping streaks
Magnolia heeded the challenge coach LA Tenorio laid down to finally pick up a win after a 0-2 start in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Friday’s 112-98 victory over the Meralco Bolts at Smart Araneta Coliseum saw the locals, primarily Ian Sangalang and Zavier Lucero, step up to provide able backup to import KJ Buffen.
“Like I said after our first game, we cannot rely on our import alone,” said Tenorio. “Our locals have to produce also, not by just points, but to support our import.”
Deadly trio
Buffen finished with 26 points, 12 rebounds and five assists, but the veteran Sangalang and the do-it-all Lucero helped in dealing the damage as the trio led an effort that put the Bolts away.
Sangalang was hailed as the game’s best player with 16 points and four rebounds while also trying to contain Meralco import Antonio Hester, even as Lucero dropped 20 points that went with 11 boards.
For Tenorio, he hopes that the performance of his Hotshots would be a sign of things to come, with tough games lined up.
Tenorio gave one example of how Magnolia can succeed, based on past experience.
“If I may say that as good as Justin Brownlee’s been [as Barangay Ginebra’s resident import], it’s been the support of the locals that was also key to our success,” said Tenorio. “And I hope it would serve as a lesson for us, and hopefully the start of a good run for us.”
Magnolia wants to use the win as a springboard with big games ahead.
Next up for the Hotshots are the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters the following Friday and Ginebra in the first two “Manila Clasico” matchups on Aug. 2, both at Mall of Asia Arena.
Meralco dropped to 2-2 despite 28 points and 10 rebounds from Hester, with 14 turnovers contributing to its doom.
Depleted core
Meanwhile, TNT battles hard-luck Terrafirma on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, as the Tropang 5G, undermanned and all, try to bounce back from a shock loss at the hands of Titan Ultra.
The Tropang 5G are 1-1 after the 103-87 defeat last Wednesday, and will come in with a strong desire to get back on the winning track in the 7:30 p.m. contest, even if four big stars are out for different reasons.
Terrafirma holds a 1-3 record after all of its three defeats came by close margins.
The 5:15 p.m. opener will see Titan Ultra go for a second straight victory against the lowly guest team Macau, which has yet to win in four starts.
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