Ever since Paul Lee was traded to the Magnolia during the off-season of the 2016-17 season, the Hotshots have made the semifinals in every conference. However, they were booted out of the semifinals all three times that had Marc Pingris quip that they won a “Grand Slam”.
This time around, Paul Lee and the Hotshots are confident that the honeymoon is over. In addition, they are now ready to break through that semis barrier.
Tuesday evening, the Hotshots showed grit and character during their quarterfinals showdown with Stanley Pringle and the Globalport Batang Pier. After a slow start that saw them trail by as much as 20 points, Magnolia locked down Globalport in the second half to eventually take an 86-79 win.
“We showed character.
“Malaking bagay sa amin yung coming ngayong playoffs kasi naipakita namin talaga kung anong character meron kami. Hindi nag-panic yung buong team, even yung coaching staff, bawat isa sa amin, kumapit kami sa isa’t isa. Ayun, hanggang sa nakabalik kami,” expressed Lee, who tallied a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
The second-seeded Hotshots are now waiting in the wings for the victor of the NLEX-Alaska bracket. But the sixth-year pro is not picky with whoever comes out from that series, saying that they are ready.
“Kahit ano, kahit sino, paghahandaan namin.
“It’s about time. Siguro, okay na yung experience namin as a group. Kumbaga, yung preparation namin last season, maganda yun para sa season na ito. Ngayon, nakabalik kami ng semis pero hindi pa yun ang end goal namin pero we’re happy to get back in the semis,” Lee closed.
