Hotshots find fight

MANILA, Philippines —   After starting the PBA Governors’ Cup with back-to-back losses, Magnolia amped up training with coach LA Tenorio even joining his charges in their scrimmages.

The sessions with Tenorio, one of the league’s most cerebral and clutch guards who could actually still play, turned productive.

The Hotshots reported for action against Meralco not only with a sense of urgency required from a team with a 0-2 record but with a renewed confidence needed against a heavy-hitter like the streaking Bolts.

Tenorio’s troops chalked up a refreshing 112-98 victory last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, pumping life into their bid in Group B.

“Malaking bagay rin na makita nila kung ano’ng gusto kong pagawa sa kanila.  Maganda ang response ng players, talagang laban kami dito,” said the eight-time PBA champion who’s on his maiden season as head coach.

“Medyo naging masama lang sa akin, dalawang araw ako sa kama,” he added with a smile.

The Hotshots stormed to a 14-point lead early then kept their poise amid the fiery fightback of the Bolts, unleashing a 24-12 closing barrage to put the game to bed.

“Nag-tiwala kami sa sistema, hindi kami nag-give up at binigay namin ang best namin. Very important ang game na ito kasi ‘pag natalo kami medyo mahirap na,” said Magnolia veteran Ian Sangalang, who earned Player of the Game honors with 16 points and four rebounds.

“The players responded well. They practiced really hard the whole week, we watched videos together, naniwala sila and ginawa nila kung ano kailangan naming gawin for this game,” said Tenorio.

The timing was perfect as this breakthrough win could serve as confidence and momentum-builder as Magnolia braces for tough gigs next against Rain or Shine on July 31 and Barangay Ginebra on Aug. 2.

Later, a fired-up Ginebra clobbered Blackwater, 115-85, for a quick bounceback to its opening 78-81 loss to Phoenix.  The Gin Kings handed the Bossing (2-2) their second consecutive defeat.