MAGNOLIA coach Chito Victolero said there is nothing to worry about after the Hotshots’ first loss of the PBA Philippine Cup last Sunday.

Victolero said Rain or Shine deserved to win the match with the way they shot the ball and how Magnolia was unable to contain it, expressing optimism that the Hotshots would learn something from the defeat.

“I think Rain or Shine deserved to win because they shot more than 50 percent. And of course, our defense also was not there. I mean, talagang kami (na) outrun, they were faster than us, they were stronger than us,” said Victolero after the Hotshots' 119-105 loss at the Ynares Center-Montalban to drop to 6-1.

“So I think we need to go back to basic, go back again to the film, watch the film, and then, sabi ko nga kanina, wala namang natalo, may natuto lang. Natuto kami doon na it’s not easy [to win],” said Victolero.

Magnolia allowed Rain or Shine to make 52 percent of their shots and the Hotshots couldn’t respond accordingly, hitting only at a 42-percent clip from the field after a 54-percent shooting night against Meralco last Wednesday.

Victolero said the defeat is proof that their opponents are out to play their basketball, especially against teams which are out for a playoff spot which includes Rain or Shine.

PHOTO: Mark Cristino

“I told the players, it’s not easy. We will experience all the challenges this conference. I think nakita na namin ngayon [Sunday]. So we need to go back again to the basic and work hard in preparation for our next game."

Victolero said he wouldn’t exactly say the loss was a wake-up call, insisting the team remains on track and only needs a couple of adjustments in order to return to form.

Victolero also apologized to the fans who came to the Ynares Center-Montalban expecting the game against Rain or Shine to be close.

“Hindi naman kailangan mag-panic. I mean, it’s only one loss. Everybody, of course, expected us lalo na ‘yung mga fans dito na it’s a close game. But sorry, dahil medyo hindi ganun ang nangyari.

"But again, we will bounce back hard for our next game. We will prepare hard, and the players know that we need to go back to what we are doing, which is prepare hard for every single game,” said Victolero.

Magnolia’s next outing will be an out-of-town game against NorthPort on Saturday in Candon, Ilocos Sur.

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