Hotshots decimate Picanto
Magnolia Hotshots has Kia Picanto's number. Additional proof to this fact is the Hotshots' 124-77 thrashing of the Picanto Wednesday, the latest in a series of brutal beat downs by the former of the latter.
Everything fell into place for Magnolia in the second half as it joined idle NLEX and Phoenix at third-running spot on a 2-1 slate following the PBA Philippine Cup game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It all started in the third quarter, where the Hotshots outscored the Picanto, 34-11, to raze a 47-49 halftime deficit and go into the final canto with an 81-60 spread.
It was all downhill for Kia and new coach Ricky Dandan from there as Magnolia led by as much as 11775 with the damage inflicted by the Hotshots' relievers.
In the end, the 47-point winning margin equaled the worst loss in Kia franchise history which Magnolia, then known as Star, dealt in the last Governors Cup.
Three of the Picanto's worst losses are now actually to the same team, including a 37-point drubbing in last season's Philippine Cup.
"We just needed to adjust in the second half, especially on our defense kasi ang dami nilang offensive rebounds at second chance points sa first half," was how Magnolia coach Chito Victolero started to explain the big turnaround.
"We just needed to have that desire and effort to win in every possession, kasi nga haphazard kami nu'ng first half, e."
Melton finished with 23 points, six rebounds and eight assists while Sangalang added 21 points and nine boards. —