Here are the live scores, updates, and results of the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup Semi-Finals between the TNT KaTropang Giga (Talk ‘N Text ) and the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots scheduled on August 7, 2022, at 4:30 PM.
The Hotshots will try to continue the winning momentum they have established in Game 2 while the KaTropa wanted to remind themselves that they should be the team to beat when the All-Filipino Cup showdown resumes this afternoon at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Magnolia didn’t waste any time during their previous encounter where they controlled most of the quarters. Coach Chito Victolero’s squad got the upper hand from the first to the third quarter where they mounted an advantage as high as 19 points.
Mark Barroca who only logged seven points in Game 1 seems like he got unleashed as he was on a scoring spree where he led the entire Timplados with his 22 points along with five assists and three steals. Ian Sangalang took advantage of his low-post skills and chipped in 20 points and five rebounds.
Magnolia is known to be a defensive squad and this is what they’ve shown against the defending champion. They forced the KaTropa to commit 22 turnovers which translated to 20 points. Likewise, the Hotshots turned to their big men in the post to deliver those high percentage points.
“Ang sabi ko lang naman sa kanila is we have to go back to our defensive mindset, ‘yung defensive mentality namin. Kasi kaya kami nandito because of that,” Victolero said.
“Now we did a good job, especially sa first half. Kumbaga nakuha na namin momentum namin, nakuha na namin rhythm noon on defense. Maganda naman naging resulta,” he added.
On the other hand for coach Chot Reyes’ squad, though their long-range bombs continue to fall mostly from their prized second-year player, Mikey Williams still wasn’t enough to snag the 2-0 advantage.
They also found one intangible where the veteran head coach sees it as essential in their road back to the Finals.
“If they outwork us, we have no chance of winning. Our team cannot out-talent teams, we do not have the size to overpower other teams, we do not have the talent of the other teams,” said Reyes. “If we’re beaten in the effort department, we have no chance.”
The reigning Rookie of the Year exploded in the second half where he dropped 25 of his 28 points. To limit the points production of Williams, their opponent assigned Rome dela Rosa and Adrian Wong.
“Hindi naman namin talaga ma-i-stop si Mikey, kumbaga ma-limit lang namin,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero. “‘Yun lang ang goal namin, ‘yung points niya, ‘yung contributions niya. Once na nag-init talaga siya tuloy-tuloy.”