LA grooms bench for playoffs

MANILA, Philippines — Magnolia coach LA Tenorio is banking on a tougher bench in the Chicken Timplados Hotshots’ drive to clinch a spot in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs but coming from a 0-3 start, it’ll be a hard run to the finish line with TNT and Meralco still in the schedule.

The Hotshots are now at 5-5 but 5-2 since Clint Chapman replaced original import Nuni Omot. Last Wednesday, Magnolia’s relievers delivered 59 points with Javi Gomez de Liano firing 18 in the 135-98 win over Titan. Aside from the bench, Tenorio cited the team’s 37 assists as a major factor. Making it to the quarterfinals is the immediate goal but there’s still a slim chance to land a twice-to-beat advantage with a top four placing. In the way of Magnolia’s advance are TNT whom the Hotshots face at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium tomorrow and Meralco whom they meet at MOA Arena on May 10.

“We really planned to utilize our bench for everyone to be ready especially in our last two games,” said Tenorio. “What I like is the players work hard every day and always stay ready, buying in to their roles. Against TNT, we’re still thinking what’s our best defense not only for Bol but more so, if Bol isn’t on the floor, kasi more dangerous sila because of familiarity and experience playing together.”

Magnolia governor Jason Webb said beating TNT and Meralco is a tall order but attainable. “To have a chance to win, we need to be able to compete in rebounding and take care of the ball while playing the pace we’re most efficient at,” he said. “We need to do all of that but at the same time, not allow them to use their experience to overwhelm us.”