Magnolia Hotshots’ Paul Lee against Converge FIberXers within the PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia turned to its winning experiences and veterans to stop Converge from notching a comeback win in Group A of the PBA Governors’ Cup.
On Friday at Araneta Coliseum, the Hotshots scraped past the FiberXers, 105-93, but not with no late game scare from coach Franco Atienza and company.
“Within the last five minutes of the sport we relaxed a bit. We thought we won already and we would have liked to handle it. We will’t be that way. We should be consistent on defense,” said coach Chito Victolero in Filipino.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup elimination round
The Hotshots led by as much as 21 before the FiberXers mounted a comeback to chop the result in five, 98-93, with 1:58 to go within the fourth quarter, courtesy of a triple from Kevin Racal.
Fortunately, Magnolia’s veterans showed up when it mattered probably the most with buckets from Ian Sangalang and Mark Barroca, much to the delight of fellow vet Paul Lee.
“I feel it’s to our advantage that we’ve got veterans on this group… We still trusted one another. I feel it just got here from our bond of a few years,” said Lee after dropping 14 points, seven assists and 4 rebounds.
Victolero also lauded his veterans for stepping up to enhance the Hotshots’ record to 1-1.
READ: PBA: Paul Lee, Magnolia nab first win after beating Converge
“Within the crunch time, I depend on these guys because we’ve been together for a very long time, we all know when and where to go for the last or very best shot,” said the veteran tactician.
Nonetheless, even with the victory Lee reiterated that the Hotshots have to do higher to avoid the late game mishap in future games.
“Even when we lead big, we should always speed up our game and never slow right down to avoid that taking place again. We want more discipline.”
Magnolia looks to make it back-to-back wins on Thursday when the Hotshots face TNT at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
