MANILA, Philippines — Mark Barroca is terribly disappointed that Magnolia fell prey to San Miguel in Game Four despite playing their brand of basketball.
And by the Hotshots’ brand of basketball, meaning they were able to clamp down on the offensive juggernaut that is San Miguel.
On Wednesday night, though the Hotshots lost, they were able to keep the history-chasing Beermen under the 100-point theshold.
“Malaki lang pagsisisi namin kasi laro namin tapos talo kami,” the veteran guard said. "Masakit lang pero iyon nga naman 'yung gusto namin eh — ‘yung ganoong laro.”
"Dalawang possession lang 'yung kanina. Kung na-shoot lang naming ‘yon…” he offered.
Game Four proved to be a grind-out affair with both teams scrambling for control until the final minute. If not for Marcio Lassiter’s pesky defense, Magnolia would’ve had a chance to tie the game.
But the Hotshots aren’t crying over spilled milk.
"Breaks of the game na ‘yun,” he said of the last possession, where his turnover led to Arwind Santos’ buffer free throws.
“Hindi naman na puwede ibalik ‘yon,” he offered. "Sabi nga ni coach kung magdu-dwell ka, kung magmumukmok ka, huwag na lang pumunta sa Friday. Ibigay na lang namin sa kanila.”
"Pero nasa kamay pa rin namin (ang puwedeng maging resulta) eh,” he closed.
Magnolia will try to stave off elimination when the best-of-seven series resumes this Friday at the MOA Arena.
Barroca rues Hotshots getting beat at own game
Magnolia's Mark Barroca defends the leather from San Miguel Beer's Marcio Lassiter
PBA Images