Vanguardia after Phoenix's ugly loss to Star: We should be ashamed of ourselves

MANILA, Philippines — To describe coach Ariel Vanguardia as “livid” after Phoenix’s massive loss at the hands of Star Saturday night would be an understatement.

Hindi ko alam kung sinong team 'yung naglaro doon kanina,” the Fuel Masters head coach said. “We should be ashamed of ourselves, we should be ashamed to our families, to those [who] support us.”

Phoenix suffered the most lopsided loss since GlobalPort lost by 53 points on June 26, 2015. The Batan Pier’s tormentors were also the Hotshots.

“We didnt give justice of wearing this uniform,” Vanguardia said while clasping his Fuel Masters garb. “Kung hindi kami makashoot, hindi pwedeng hindi rin kami pwedeng makadepensa.”

“Hindi kami makashoot,” the former ABL tactician added. “They beat us on our game. Sila nakakashoot, so walang reason na ‘di kami makadepensa kasi wala namang off-game sa defense.”

Phoenix incurred a total of 23 errors, which Star translated into 38 points. As if adding salt to the wound, the now Chito Victolero-mentored Hotshots drew production from all but one cager.

“Itong Star elite team, malalim line-up, anybody can score, anybody could kills us,” Vanguardia offered. “‘Yung mind-set, ‘yung sense of urgency hindi pareho noong kalaban namin ang San Miguel.”

But for all of his frustrations, the rookie PBA coach noted that the loss is on him.

“I take full responsibility for this loss,” Vanguardia said. “Nung hindi na nag-work ‘yung preparation, gusto naming i-daan sa shoot ‘yung lamang.”

“Everybody is totally disappointed but we're gonna rise from this debacle and come out a better team next game,” he added.

“[Sa] practice, doon mag-uumpisa,” he closed.