CHICAGO - I woke up so damn early today just to keep tabs on how many points Magnolia would score against Terrafirma.
In a 74-51 loss to Meralco last Sunday, the Hotshots shot the ball as though there was a lid on the rim, just 18 of 71 from the field (25 percent) and 1-of-9 from 3-point distance (11.1 percent!).
It wasn't just the kind of ugly that made you want to turn off the live stream on the computer; it induced the urge to leave the room altogether.
READ Magnolia turns back Terrafirma comeback, clinches quarterfinal berth
Not today. Not when a quarterfinals berth was at stake.
The Hotshots were great again, pelting the Dyip, 108-100, at the PhilSports Arena. This time, Magnolia hit 40 of its 82 field goals (48 percent) and went 10 of 20 from long distance (50 percent).
Unlike the Meralco game where no Magnolia player produced more than six points, four of the Hotshots' starters finished in double figures against the Dyip with Paul Lee, Ian Sangalang and Mark Barroca combining for 61 points.
DON'T ASK ME WHAT CHANGED, I'D RATHER HAVE A COLONOSCOPY THAN FIGURE OUT THE WEIRD, RANDOM OCCURRENCES IN THE PBA.
With an improved 6-4 win-loss record, Magnolia finds itself safely in the quarterfinals. Terrafirma, meanwhile, lands in purgatory with a 5-6 slate, its hopes of making the playoffs via the backdoor hinging on the outcomes of the remaining play dates.
And that saddens me.
I'm rooting for a happy ending for the Dyip in this conference. After a 2-0 start and putting up a consistent effort to compete every game, I'd like to see that rewarded by the basketball gods.
After years and years of mediocrity, the Dyip are showing signs of progress. And that was manifested even in a brutal loss to Magnolia where the game was a close 99-98 in the final 2:34 of play.
Stephen Holt, the engine that drives the Dyip in this Philippine Cup, showed why he is the runaway Rookie of the Year, He shot 10 of 18 from the field and 3-of-7 from 3 to finish with 32 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists and 1 steal.
Coach Johnedel Cardel rarely gets his flowers but he has earned a beautiful, garden-fresh bouquet for how he has turned a perennial weakling into a looming contender that can stand up against the big boys.
Which leads me to make a wish: You get a good thing going here with Holt and Juami Tiongson and Cardel, so for God's sake keep your team intact, Terrafirma.
SAD FAREWELL. Back in 1993, the Swift Mighty Meaties bannered by Tony Harris were in Cebu for an out-of-town PBA game.
The newspaper sent me to the Rajah hotel where the team was staying. I waited in the lobby wondering if coach Yeng Guiao, Al Solis, Harris and the rest of the Mighty Meaties would give a cub reporter the time of day.
Nervously, I approached their team manager and asked if he could help me.
I ended up riding in the team bus on the way to the Cebu Coliseum and was given access to whomever I chose to speak to.
That team manager, a sweet soul with salt-and pepper hair, was Elmer Yanga.
I'll never forget his kindness.
Sir Elmer died two days ago. May he rest in peace.
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