It’s been awhile since the Magnolia Timplados Hotshots had this kind of start — looking hungry, more motivated and ready to slay every opponent standing on their way.
On Sunday, the Terrafirma Dyip ran smacked on the rejuvenated Hotshots, who posted a convincing 127-94 win in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The normally defensive-minded Hotshots scored 36 points in the fourth quarter and hit 51% of their field goal goals on their way to notching their fifth win in as many games and staying as the only undefeated team in the tournament.
Zav Lucero went a rebound away from posting a double-double performance while guards Paul Lee and Jerrick Ahanmisi made key contributions, so as Joseph Eriobu.
Lucero wound up with 17 markers on top of nine boards while Lee had 13 points, including two four-point shots while Ahanmisi and Eriobu each produced 11 for the Hotshots, who handed the Dyip their fourth consecutive loss and dropped to 1-4.
Magnolia’s 5-0 start was a complete turnaround from last conference’s dismal start where it started the Commissioner’s Cup with a 1-4 mark, but head coach Chito Victolero believes a lot of work needs to be done in taking their game to the next level.
“The key is our preparation and we need to have that mindset of not relaxing even at this stage,” said Victolero. “We’re looking good at this stage, but we will be facing an NLEX team that has won its last three games so we will prepare for a battle against them.”
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