Viewing Game 3 as a “do-or-die” encounter provided the motivation Magnolia needed to secure a breakthrough in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals against San Miguel.
“Ang mentality namin is our backs against the wall,” said Mark Barroca, who topscored the Hotshots in their 88-80 win over the Beermen on Wednesday. The series scores are now 2-1, with San Miguel still ahead.
Barroca emphasized the importance of Magnolia returning to its defensive strengths, contributing six assists, four rebounds, and two steals in the process.
“Gusto namin ng depensa. ‘Yun ang identity namin e yung depensa naming,” he explained. “Pagnakaka-stop kami, nakakarun kami ng maayos. So iyon ang nangyari sa game namin.”
Their defensive strategy was evident in limiting San Miguel’s super import, Bennie Boatwright, to single-digit points in the first two quarters.
When Boatwright finally found his rhythm, the game was already out of reach for the Beermen, who faced a deficit of up to 16 points.
Another key to the Hotshots’ victory is the two-day rest they got after losing Game 2.
“Nakarecover ang body namin for two days. We had a hard time doing our defensive scheme, kasi nakakaramdam ng pagod,” said coach Chito Victolero. “We had that rest, so nagawa namin ang defensive scheme namin to limit San Miguel to 80 points.”
“Everyone stepped up defensively and did a good job.”
The post Barroca: Magnolia played like ‘there’s no tomorrow’ in Game 3 win first appeared on Fastbreak.
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