The Meralco Bolts were just one point down, 71-70, after three quarters in their Friday night showdown against the Magnolia Hotshots Fans at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
However, the game had to be temporarily paused after raindrops leaked through the ceiling and landed on the playing court, resulting in a 40‑minute delay.
Once play resumed, the Bolts looked stagnant on both ends of the floor as the Hotshots unleashed a blistering 10-3 run to begin the final period. That paved the way for Magnolia’s 105-88 victory, its third in the PBA Governors’ Cup as against three losses.
Afterward, Meralco’s import, Antonio Hester, got candid in his assessment, telling reporters that the team broke down after the lengthy lull.
“We broke down as a team, and as you see, we came out sluggish. They came out more aggressive and we were aggressive early in the game and no excuses to be made, we gotta be better and that wasn’t it for us,” said Hester.
The veteran import logged 34 minutes and finished with 24 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. But his effort was not enough to secure the victory.
No Excuses, Says Antonio Hester
The 36‑year‑old refused to make excuses as Meralco fell to a 2-5 record this conference. He also did not question coming off the bench to begin the final period.
“We was just playing, we were hooping. I don’t know what happened in the fourth quarter. I came off the bench, it is what it is. But we gotta be ready. As a professional, you gotta be always ready,” he explained.
Rather than dwell on the loss, Hester is now looking forward to bouncing back.
“Like I said, make no excuses. Gotta be ready to play,” Hester added.
Hester and the Bolts will have to be ready in a week’s time as they return to action on Friday, August 14, against nemesis Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, who are just a game ahead of Meralco at the bottom of Group B.
