LA Tenorio, Zavier Lucero Call for Better Defense Despite Magnolia’s Back-to-Back Wins

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by Cristian Andal

Magnolia Chicken Timplados.
Magnolia Chicken Timplados. Photo: PBA Images.

Magnolia Chicken Timplados may be off to a blazing start in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, but head coach LA Tenorio isn’t letting the Hotshots get too comfortable. 

Even after a 127-119 victory over Titan Ultra on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the rookie coach was far from satisfied, particularly with the team’s defense.

The Hotshots unleashed one of the highest offensive explosions so far this conference, just shy of Converge’s 129-point outburst against the same Titan squad a week earlier. But Tenorio couldn’t ignore the fact that his team also allowed the most points by a losing opponent this season.

“If we defend like this, I don’t think we’ll have a chance on Sunday,” Tenorio said bluntly, referring to Magnolia’s upcoming showdown with Meralco.

Leading the way for Magnolia was Zavier Lucero, who stuffed the stat sheet with 23 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, and a block — another all-around performance that underscored his growing star power. Still, even the reigning PBA Press Corps Defensive Player of the Year agreed that there’s more work to do.

Zav Lucero (22) drives past a Titan Ultra defender. Photo: PBA Images.

“I think our defense, like coach said, was lacking,” Lucero admitted. “Defensive Player of the Year means nothing this season. It’s about proving it every night—for myself and for our team.”

With their offense already humming, the Hotshots now look to tighten their defense as they aim for a 3-0 start — a statement run that could set the tone for their championship chase.

The Scores:

Magnolia 127 - Lucero 23, Sangalang 21, Barroca 16, Escoto 16, Gomez de Liano 14, Lastimosa 13, Dela Rosa 9, Alfaro 7, Laput 4, Verano 2, Dionisio 2, Lee 0, Eriobu 0, Taha 0, Gomez 0.

Titan Ultra 119 - Munzon 28, Ular 17, Balanza 14, Pessumal 13, Koon 12, Cuntapay 10, Sumang 9, Yu 6, Ambohot 6, Flores 4, Melecio 0, Martinez 0.

Quarterscores: 27-22, 58-56, 92-88, 127-119.