If there's anything that the Magnolia Hotshots have learned in the last two games, it's that playing catch-up against the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Finals is not sustainable.
The Hotshots succeeded in erasing a 20-point deficit in Game 1, stunning San Miguel in the fourth quarter to draw first blood in their best-of-7 showdown and proving that they are not pushovers in the series.
Two days later, they attempted to replicate this impressive feat, launching another late rally in Game 2 that pulled them out of a 21-point hole. This time, they failed to steal the win as the three-time reigning champions were prepared to weather the storm.
As Jio Jalalon puts it, the Hotshots are not "superheroes" who can always save the day.
"It cannot happen that we only play well in the fourth quarter. It's a waste that we keep the score close, then they lead by 20 points, then we chase them," the sophomore point guard said in Filipino. "We are not superheroes to be able to do that again. We just got lucky in Game 1. This time, they were able to take care of the lead."
The Hotshots are aware that their chances are bleak if they continue having sluggish starts. They can't keep allowing San Miguel to mount double-digit margins before they wake up and adjust. They should be able to execute on both ends of the floor right from the tip-off.
"From first to second half, we found it difficult to score," said Mark Barroca, who led Magnolia with 18 points. "We gave ourselves a chance to come back in the game. We were able to do it but then we fell short."
Added big man Ian Sangalang: "It would be difficult for us if we allow that to happen every time. We need to stop San Miguel from pulling away, we need to maintain a close score."
Despite the loss, the Hotshots are proud of their fighting spirit. They were torched by the Beermen's offense but never raised the white flag. Instead of getting overwhelmed, they continued to do their job. Their relentless effort to rise above adversity should help boost their confidence when the battle resumes after the Holy Week break.
"Whatever happens, we never quit. That's what we're holding on to," Barroca said. "Whether we're down big or we're ahead or it's a grinding game, we'll never quit."