By striking first, Magnolia sent a message that it is here to legitimately challenge San Miguel Beer for its throne.
Now, the Hotshots have a golden opportunity to push the Beermen further as they gun for a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven championship showcase in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
Game 2 is set for 7 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Hotshots, led by Ian Sangalang, Mark Barroca and Paul Lee, showed up with a purpose in Game 1, opening the series with a steady performance to pull off a 99-94 victory over the Beermen.
Magnolia coach Chito Victolero pointed out the biggest reason why his team was able to draw first blood against the mighty Beermen.
“Defense was our key. We were able to limit them below 100,” said Victolero. “Hindi naman kaya makipag-sabayan sa kanila kaya we need to keep it that way the rest of the series to have a chance.”
Sangalang, who dropped a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds in Game 1, believes that getting Game 2 will most certainly put Magnolia in the best position possible to chase the coveted All-Filipino jewel.
“We’ll continue to trust each other. ‘Pag nakakuha pa kami ng isa, ibang usapan na ‘to,” said Sangalang. “Maiisip rin nila na kaya namin rin sila i-stop.”
For their part, the Beermen know that there is still a lot of fight left as they remain composed.
“Just bounce back in Game 2,” said San Miguel gunner Marcio Lassiter, who went scoreless in 32 minutes in Game 1.
“Sayang natalo kami sa una pero kailangan lang mag-bounce back. Kailangan lang maging positive,” said leading Best Player of the Conference candidate June Mar Fajardo. “Ang aganda is best-of-seven naman ito.”
Fajardo had a monster effort in Game 1, dropping game-highs of 35 points and 21 rebounds, but his exploits weren’t enough as he did not get much support from his pals.