Marc Pingris believes the Magnolia Ang Pambansang Manok Hotshots will do just fine as long as they avoid the injury bug that marred the start of their campaign in the PBA Philippine Cup.
The Hotshots won four of their first five games in the season's first conference after Pingris joined hands with Ian Sangalang, Paul Lee and Rafi Reavis to rally from a five-point deficit in the final three minutes and beat the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 97-91, Saturday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Magnolia's win came after starting the conference playing minus Pingris, Reavis and Jio Jalalon because of injuries. That is why the Hotshots' resident leader would like to avoid dealing with such predicament the rest of the way.
"Lagi kami nagdadasal na sana wala nang ma-injure sa team, dahil pag may na-injury sa team, talagang adjustment talaga," Pingris said.
"Pag buo kami, mas okay yung team, talagang may laban. Kumpletos rekados sinasabi ni coach, so I hope na walang ma-injury."
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Lee has provided offensive brilliance since starting the season coming off knee surgery, Sangalang has turned in double-double numbers and reserve swingman Rome dela Rosa stepping up on both sides of the floor.
Against Phoenix, Reavis scored all of his 11 points in the final quarter, including an undergoal stab with 16 seconds left that gave the Hotshots a 95-91 lead.
The basket virtually sealed Magnolia Ang Pambansang Manok's comeback after staring at an 89-84 deficit three minutes remaining.
Pingris, however, admitted that the Hotshots were close to conceding defeat, if not for some timely advice from their coach.
"Parang gumigive-up na kami kasi may halong swerte (ang Phoenix), kahit anung bato pumapasok," he said. "Pero sabi ni coach nung timeout na dito masusubukan yung character namin as a team kasi madami pa kaming madadaanan na ganito.
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"At talagang pinatunayan talaga namin sa depensa, dun talaga nagsisimula sa depensa at nakuha namin." (JT)
