TIME TO RECOVER
In the eyes of coach Tim Cone, his Star Hotshots have a lot of things to work on if they’re to successfully defend the PBA Governors’ Cup crown.
They’ve lost the Philippine Cup diadem and the Commissioner’s Cup title.
Cone feels the remaining jewel from their grand slam run will also slip away if they don’t improve in their next games – the most immediate versus the Meralco Bolts at the Cuneta Astrodome Sunday.
Game time is 5:15 p.m.
“Our last loss certainly told us that we have to really pick it up in all phases of our game if we’re going to defend our championship this conference,” said Cone.
“We’re not playing with much flow or rhythm and our defense has been particularly porous. I’m disappointed so far but we still have time to recover and get better,” Cone also said.
On Tuesday, the Hotshots suffered a first ever loss at the hands of the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 89-91.
Cone rued they’ve been struggling since winning the grand slam.
But he understands it’s been really tough for his players. “I’ve just got to trust my guys,” he said.
The Bolts aren’t doing any better, with only a win to show in three starts in the season-ending tourney.
They bowed to the Batang Pier, 73-92, and to the NLEX Road Warriors, 84-91, claiming a lone win so far at the expense of the San Miguel Beermen, 95-106, in overtime.
In their latest game, Meralco finally unveiled its own Asian import in Japanese guard Seiya Ando who poured in 18 points, including three triples that went down the drain.
Also going to naught was Andre Emmett’s 44 points on top of 11 rebounds, two steals and one assist.
Pressed by their management to deliver, the NLEX Road Warriors checked a five-game slump from last conference, pulling off the seven-point decision over the Bolts.
“That’s a bragging right for us. Every time MVP ball clubs play, it’s always very competitive. It’s a fight for bragging rights,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez. (SB)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
