New coach LA Tenorio couldn’t hide his frustration at how the Magnolia Hotshots played and won their game on Friday night.
The Hotshots got their rhythm late and repulsed the Blackwater Elite Bossings, 90-75, in the 50th Philippine Basketball Association(PBA) Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
“We really can’t start like this all the time. Hindi puede lang kami ang naghahabol,” remarked Tenorio, after the Hotshots pulled through with their fifth win in seven games.
The Hotshots turned the tables around in their favor at the start of the second half, with Javi Gomez de Liano drilling in 10 of his game-high 17 points in the third quarter.
In picking up his game, Liano’s triple in the last 5:43 left saw the Hotshots enjoying their biggest edge at 23, 84-61, following a 34-41 halftime deficit.
“I’d rather have it na kami ang hinahabol. So hopefully, in the next games,” added Tenorio.
Ian Sangalang shot 16 points and nine rebounds for the Hotshots, whose 5-2 slate put them in a five-way share of second spot.
The Hotshots, with Zavi Lucero producing 13 points and 10 boards, share the same mark with the San Miguel Beermen, the Converge Fiber Xers, the NLEX Road Warriors and the Rain or Shine Elastopainters.
Raffy Verano unloaded seven of his 12-point tally in the fourth as the Hotshots ended the contest with a 15-point lead.
