HUGNATAN SEES BETTER DAYS AHEAD FOR BOLTS
Reynel Hugnatan must really like going up against Barako Bull.
Back in the Philippine Cup, the grizzled forward recorded his career-high 28 points against the Energy.
And on Friday, he had the same scoring outburst, this time, going for 21 points in Meralco’s 98-85 win over Barako Bull.
However, the 36-year-old said that it’s just coincidence.
“Nataon lang. Nagkakataon lang na maganda yung laro ko pag sila yung kalaban namin,” he said.
Hugnatan explained that it’s more of him hitting the open shots given to him by the Energy defense, as he shot 9-of-14 from the field in the victory, including a shot clock buzzer-beating three which put the game away for the Bolts.
“Iniwanan ako kanina eh. Yung import nila, di ako nilalapitan sa depensa kaya ang sabi ko, bahala na, ititira ko na lang ‘to. Buti naman pumapasok,” he said.
The win ended Meralco’s two game-slide, and once again sent them to the top of the standings, tied with Talk ‘N Text at 6-2.
For Hugnatan, the All-Star break really did them wonders, saying, “Malaking bagay yun dahil napahinga kami at na-recharge, at the same time, na-enjoy yung All -Star ng mga taga-Palawan.”
But focusing on the big picture, the six-time All-Star believes that the Bolts have what it takes to stay on top this Commissioner’s Cup.
“Yung last two games na natalo kami, si Josh (Davis) hindi pa 100-percent kaya nag-struggle kami. Sya ang number one rebounder namin at yung help defense nya, malaking bagay talaga,” he said.
“Ngayon na healthy na sya, pwede na namin ulit gawin yung ginagawa namin before sya na-injure. Same lang, walang pagbabago. Kaya pa namin yan.” (RL)
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