Thanks to its tenacious defense, Magnolia made short work of Terrafirma Dyip, 105-83, to keep its hot streak going in the PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.
“It’s all about our defense,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero moments after the Hotshots fashioned out their fourth straight win in the tournament that’s faced with some concern with regards to the Metro Manila going under Enhanced Community Quarantine in the days to come.
“‘Yung (defense) pinagusapan namin, as we want to respect this team, Terrafirma, and also the proper mindset na huwag kami mag relax,” added Victolero, who also had kind words for the Dyip.
“The last three days na preparation namin ay ‘yun lagi ‘yung teaching ko, binibigyan ko ng emphasis 'yung mindset namin, going into this game. It’s very important because we don’t want to relax,” he said.
Six Hotshots, led by Ian Sangalang, scored in double figures, as they kept the Dyip stranded at the cellar by dealing them with their third straight loss.
Sangalang finished with team-high 18 points, Mark Barroca added 16 points, six rebounds and five assists on top of the leadership the Hotshots needed in the absence of Paul Lee.
“Mark Barroca stepped up in the absence of Paul (Lee), nagkaroon ng konti injury si Paul, although precautionary measure lang naman na hindi na siya pinasok ulet para 'di lumala. Good thing andyan si Mark,” said Victolero.
The Hotshots dominated the Dyip on both ends of the court from the start, with Barroca, Jerrick Ahanmisi, Calvin Abueva, Jackson Corpuz and Jio Jalalon alternating on offense which the Dyip simply could not match.
Terrafirma drew big games from Roosevelt Adams, Juan Miguel Tiongson and Aldrech Ramos, who combined for 54 points and Victolero pointed out it won’t take long and Terrafirma would finally win.
“May mga talents naman sila, kailangan lang na pagsama samahin nila effort nila at hindi malayong Manalo na sila,” noted Victolero, who had handled the Terrafirma before.
Meanwhile, there are talks going the rounds that the league’s elimination may soon ground to a halt again as Metro Manila will be placed under ECQ from August 6 to 20, due to spread of Covid-19 Delta variant in the country.
The league has been conducting games on special permit granted it under the General Community Quarantine.
It can be recalled that all sports tournaments and leagues were suspended during the first ECQ in March 2020, with the PBA forced to play in a bubble in Clark several months after.
The scores:
Magnolia (105) — Sangalang 18, Barroca 16, Ahanmisi 15, Abueva 14, Corpuz 12, Jalalon 10, Lee 5, Brill 4, Dela Rosa 4, Dionisio 3, De Leon 2, K. Pascual 2, Melton 0, Reavis 0, Capobres 0.
Terrafirma (83) — Roosevelt Adams 25, Tionghson 19, Ramos 10, Batiller 7, Camson 6, McCarthy 5, Munzon 6, Cahilig 4, Calvo 0, Laput 0, Alolino 0, Gabayni 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0, Balagasay 0, Celda 0.
Quarterscores: 33-25, 58-37, 71-61, 105-83
