Lesson learned for Hotshots

Barely a day after suffering its first loss of the season, Magnolia expressed its readiness to bounce back and regain its groove in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.

Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero said he wants his team to learn from their first defeat in which they were dominated by Rain or Shine, 119-105, last Sunday at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.

Victolero said they suffered a flat start while the Elasto Painters had a great day from the perimeter, especially from the three-point area.

“The problem is that yesterday, we had a bad start. There are times in the game where we can do our system but most of the time, we can’t,” Victolero said in a telephone conversation with DAILY TRIBUNE.

“I don't know if it's fatigue or if we are relaxed because of our record. But the only thing I know is we learned a lot from that game going into the latter part of this conference or going into the playoffs.”

Victolero took the blame, saying that although it’s painful, their first loss of the season is something they can learn from as they chase the all-Filipino title.

“Offensively and defensively, I think they're more prepared than us. So, it's all on me,” Victolero said.

“Maybe I didn't prepare my players regarding how to go to the battle against Rain or Shine. But again, it's a learning experience for me and the whole team.”

Despite absorbing their first loss of the conference, Magnolia remains on top of the standings with a 6-1 record.