For Magnolia Hotshots head coach LA Tenorio, the key to Magnolia’s 115-101 victory over the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Wednesday was the team’s response to adversity. And, according to one of the PBA’s greatest point guards ever, it’s a sign that the Hotshots are finally getting it.
Magnolia entered the fourth quarter against Phoenix down, 84-82, after surrendering every point of the 11-point lead it had built in the first half. In fact, the Hotshots seemed reeling and in danger of losing again to the Fuel Masters.
Magnolia Responds to Third-Quarter Meltdown
Tenorio’s wards didn’t let that happen, though. Led by Jerom Lastimosa, Magnolia unleashed a 16-2 run in the first half of the final frame to turn an 84-82 deficit into a 98-86 cushion down the stretch.
Just like that, Magnolia averted disaster and gave Tenorio the response to adversity he has been hoping for.
“They [Magnolia] responded after the third-quarter run [of Phoenix]. Pagnagkaka-run ‘yung nakakalaban namin ng third quarter, usually we get deflated or natataranta kami. But in today’s game, they stayed positive, everyone stayed positive.”
The Hotshots certainly stayed positive. They also locked in on defense, just as Tenorio drew it up.
“I always tell in the timeouts, we need to get stops… We were really struggling offensively in the third quarter, but I always reminded them there’s always going to be off-nights or struggles sa opensa, pero sa depensa we cannot struggle,” Tenorio added. “I have to credit all my players, they responded in the fourth quarter… They’re learning. Nakukuha na nila.”
Magnolia seems to be getting it, all right. The win against Phoenix was the Hotshots’ third in a row, and it has them at 4-3—or just a game behind Group B leader Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Tenorio Miffed by Long Break
Yes, the Hotshots are on a roll now, but they will have to take a long break as the PBA pauses action to give way to Gilas Pilipinas. That break, according to Tenorio, is ill-timed given his team’s momentum, which is why he has asked his players to stay in shape in the interim.
“Too bad magkaka-break kami ng nine weeks. Sayang ‘yung momentum namin, andun na sana…” he noted. “… Kung sinong pinaka-smart dito sa break na ‘to sa mga teams, ‘yun ‘yung team na may malaking chance to go to the playoffs.”
On the heels of a three-game winning streak, Magnolia has certainly improved its own chances of making the quarters.
