OFFENSE continues to be a major problem for Magnolia in the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup quarterfinals where the Hotshots are only one loss away from another early ouster.
No thanks to TNT’s stingy defense, Magnolia shot a conference-low 34-percent (25-of-74) in a 91-73 defeat in Game 2 on Wednesday to go down 0-2 in the best-of-five series.
The Hotshots is now only 36-percent from the field in the two games against the Tropang 5G, and 16-percent (9-of-57) from three and four-point range combined, including a conference-worst 12-percent (3-of-26) from threes in Game 1.
“I think you can see it for yourself. We’re not getting enough on the offensive end,” said Zavier Lucero.
Magnolia is now on the brink of a seventh consecutive ouster in the quarters, as it heads into a must-win Game 3 on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with Lucero hoping they can hit their shots on a consistent basis.
One-way traffic for Magnolia
Lucero had 16 points and nine rebounds on 6-of-12 from the field, but he too was not spared from the shooting spell, as he went 0-of-3 from threes.
“I think we’re doing a pretty good job defensively. Not as good as we want to, but we are limiting them to below 100 points, in the low 90s the first two games and they average over 100," he said.
"Just (the) offense is a little stagnant right now. Hopefully, we can figure it out within these next two days to get something reliable going, get in a rhythm.”
The Hotshots trailed all game long, but got to within two points, 51-49, after starting the third with eight straight points by KJ Buffen, but the deficit ballooned to double-digits, with TNT later outscoring them, 22-16, in that quarter.
“We went on a run and basketball is a game of runs. But just for whatever reason, it wasn’t sustainable. Like I said, offensively, it’s stagnant. We weren’t good enough tonight. We weren’t locked in enough. It’s definitely not good enough against a team like TNT.
“All is not lost… It’s first of three. So hopefully, these next two days, prepare the right way, and come in and execute.”
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