Magnolia head coach LA Tenorio emphasized the importance of making the ceasefire in hostilities in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors’ Cup count.

Aside from getting a much-needed respite to recuperate and regroup, how a team will use the long break to its advantage will be a key factor in the final stretch of the race for a quarterfinals berth once action resumes in October.

The league will have a nine-week pause starting Saturday to give way to Gilas Pilipinas’ participation in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers fourth window and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Although admitting that the stop might affect the Hotshots’ momentum after winning three straight games to move up in the standings with a 4-3 win-loss record in Group B, it’s up to the team to maintain the fire.

“Yes, it’s just a shame that we’re heading into a break. We already have the momentum. Again, we beat really good teams and strong teams,” Tenorio said after Magnolia’s 115-101 win over Phoenix on Wednesday at the Ynares Center-Antipolo.

“But again, that’s beyond our control. We’ll definitely be smart about this break.”

The Hotshots had a slow 1-3 start in the season-ending tournament before finally getting their groove going.

Magnolia is tied with Phoenix in second to third behind group leader Rain or Shine (4-2).

“Well, first of all, definitely I’ll give them breaks,” Tenorio said about his plans.

“But I told the players that part of being professional is to maintain your top playing condition because it’s going to be a long break,” Tenorio said.

“What I told them, the team that will be the smartest in this break, I think that’s the team that has a big chance to go to the playoffs. Because a lot can happen with this break.”

Tenorio, himself, will be unavailable to oversee the Hotshots for the duration of the lull as he also serves as deputy of Gilas head coach Tim Cone.

“Personally, I have to do my duties as an assistant coach, this (FIBA World Cup Qualifier) window and then the Asian Games. But again, I know my players,” he said.

“Actually, I asked some of them. Those who won’t go to their provinces for one or two weeks. They will start working already. They know the importance of this break and this conference for us,” he added.

Magnolia will resume its campaign on 9 October against Blackwater before facing Barangay Ginebra in a Manila Clasico rematch set two days after.

The Hotshots will again have a 10-day break before their clash with the Elasto Painters on 21 October to close the group stage.

“We’ll make use of this break just to reassess what we need to improve going to the playoffs, going to the next three games. Big games starting on October 9,” Tenorio said.