MANILA, Philippines – Just a few days after winning against Chris Algieri, Manny Pacquiao is back to work and what tops his priority list is seeking to get back and check out his team in the PBA.
It was not an easy task as his newly owned team, Kia Sorento, will be facing against the grand slam champions, the Purefoods Star Hotshots, who last season were known as the San Mig Coffee Mixers, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Sorento were off to a great fight in the first three quarters and managed to keep a six-point lead coming into the fourth. The Hotshots then showed their championship genes by taking over the in fourth quarter, outscoring the Sorento, 37-20.
Pacquiao duing the pre-game warmups. (Peter Baltazar/Philstar.com)
Pacquiao, who was acting as a coach that time, was patient enough to watch his team blow a lead and, understanding that the team they faced were no push over. Despite the loss, coach Pacquiao sees great things for his team.
“Magaling din naman yung kalaban. Ginawa naman ng players ang magagawa. Maganda naman din pinakita ng mga players,” said Pacquiao
“Ok lang yun. Mga grand slam champion naman mga kalaban namin,” Pacquiao added.
After the game, the boxing champion had a talk with his teammates and pointed out their lack of stamina.
“Sa lahat ng sport, ang importante ay ang stamina. Ang laban ko sa boksing ay 12 rounds pero ang ensayo ko, laging 30 rounds,” Pacquiao told his players in the locker room.
Pacquiao talks to his team in the dugout. (Peter Baltazar/contributor)
Kia’s coaching staff took note of this as the team has six days to prepare for their next game against the Meralco Bolts on December 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Meanwhile, the Star Hotshots, who were led by Joe Devance’s 16 points, improved to a 5-3 win-loss record. They forced a three-way tie for fourth place together with Barangay Ginebra, Miguel and Talk N Text.
The Hotshots will be facing a familiar rival with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters this coming Sunday, November, 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.