Deposed four-peat champs vow to come back strong

MANILA, Philippines – The Purefoods Star Hotshots are looking at the bright side, not sulking at the end of their PBA four-peat reign.

In a huddle in the last 50 seconds of their downfall versus the Meralco Bolts Thursday night, the Hotshots have decided right there on the floor they’re staying together and they’re leaving the Cuneta Astrodome with their heads held high.

The Hotshots consider their early exit in the 2014-15 PBA Philippine Cup as a hump that will test their character and eventually make them a better team.

“We have no reason not to be proud and we have no reason to go separate ways. Just imagine what we have achieved,” said Purefoods top gun James Yap.

“I believe an experience like this will just make as a more solid team. We should just learn from our lesson here. We should realize a slow start is a big no-no in the PBA,” Yap also said.

“This is temporary pain and it will pass. Next conference, we’ll come back strong,” said Purefoods chief playmaker Mark Barroca.

“Coach Tim (Cone) remembered the same experience they had at Alaska. They had their heartbreak after winning a grand slam, then they returned to make another run,” Barroca added.

Time and again, Purefoods faced tough adversity and survived in its run of four straight championships from the 2013 Governors’ Cup. The Hotshots, however, have run out of luck.

“We’d recovered from a slow start in the past, but it wouldn’t be always like that. There are many good teams in this league,” said Yap, also pointing to Ian Sangalang’s injury as another key factor.

Yap said Sangalang could have provided them the needed spark against Meralco. “In games like that, we usually get a lift from Ian,” said Yap.  

But the Hotshots insist they’re staying together.

Instead of taking a vacation right away, the Hotshots were to meet yesterday afternoon at the Ronac Gym. They then proceed to the San Miguel Corp. complex in Mandaluyong for an advanced Christmas gathering with SMC top boss Ramon Ang.