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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Defense a concern for Tenorio as Magnolia takes on weary Meralco

Defense a concern for Tenorio as Magnolia takes on weary Meralco

Published Oct 18, 2025 03:07 pm

At A Glance

  • Streaking teams collide on Sunday, Oct. 19, as undefeated Magnolia takes on the weary but in-form Meralco in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center Montalban.

Streaking teams collide on Sunday, Oct. 19, as undefeated Magnolia takes on the weary but in-form Meralco in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center Montalban.

Fresh off their second straight victory against bitter rival Ginebra, the Bolts are looking to cap their hectic schedule with a win against a Hotshots side that is aiming to sustain their perfect start under new head coach LA Tenorio.

Tip-off of the marquee duel is at 7:30 p.m. with a clash between perennial semifinalists San Miguel and Rain or Shine raising the curtain in the first offering at 5:15 p.m.

The Elasto Painters are looking for their second win in as many games while the Beermen are hoping to avoid falling into a 0-3 hole.

Tenorio, though, despite his team having the fresher legs, is refusing to be complacent against Meralco especially on the defensive end.

Although the Hotshots exploded for 127 points in the win over the Titan Ultra, Tenorio isn’t all too happy with the 119 points his team gave up defensively.

“The concern now is really our defense, especially going to Sunday’s game against Meralco. We have to defend. We cannot defend like this,” said Tenorio.

“If we defend like this and allow Meralco to get 119 points I dont think we will have a chance. I’m not sure if we will be scoring 127 points against Meralco but I doubt. I know them. They emphasize defense also,” he added.

Meralco is playing its third game in six days but the Bolts powered through and won their last two games to even their record to 2-2.

The wards of head coach Luigi Trillo even had to overcome a 16-point deficit against the Kings with the help of a huge fourth quarter uprising from Chris Newsome, Bong Quinto and CJ Cansino to come away with an 89-75 win.

“Those types of situations it is up to them to challenge themselves. We have high respect for Magnolia. LA is doing a good job with them, they play both ends of the floor,said Trillo, whose team will also have a flight to Okinawa on Monday for their East Asia Super League opener.

“We’re gonna have to dig deep to get a chance at Magnolia because it is our third game in five days,” he added.

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