MAGNOLIA defeated Phoenix, 82-70, on Friday in its first tune-up game for the PBA 50th Season at the Activate Hoop Arena.
The Hotshots played impressively in LA Tenorio’s first tune-up as the team’s head coach, just a day removed from the conclusion of their four-day training camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
READ Cardel returns to steer ship for Pureblends as Tan moves up as manager
Zavier Lucero nailed a three to spark a 12-2 finishing kick for the Hotshots after the Fuelmasters battled back from a 42-30 halftime lead to make the game close.
New Magnolia recruit Javi Gomez de Liaño, taken in a trade with Terrafirma during the offseason, also knocked down a three in the final minute to settle the final score.
Tenorio said this week was a productive one as the Hotshots go deep into their preparation for the Philippine Cup.
“Malaking bagay ‘yung training camp namin. Went straight today and played Phoenix. I was expecting na baka maging magulo kami but it turned out well, not because we won. Overall, maganda ‘yung nakita namin sa coaching staff,” said Tenorio.
Francis Escandor made a three and a jumper to close the gap to 70-68 for Phoenix, before Magnolia pulled away for good.
The Hotshots had a rigorous training camp at the Inspire Sports Academy with the focus on building the system and the philosophies that Tenorio intends to run with his new team.
Tenorio felt that Magnolia made progress during the Calamba camp, which he described as an important part of their preparation.
“We are trying to build. Galing kami ng training camp. That’s a big factor and big key for our preparation. Laking bagay. Dami naming nagawa. Dami namin na-cover. Hopefully, we get better everyday,” said Tenorio.
“My thing dito sa team is for us to have that baby steps. Baby steps lang kami. We are not going to sprint right away. Unti-until lang. We get better, we improve, that’s how it is. Tignan namin kung saan kami makakarating.”
“For now, we are focusing on getting better with our execution, and getting better with our system. Chemistry-wise, system-wise, we have to get better. Malaking bagay ‘yung nangyari sa amin na training camp,” said Tenorio.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
