Prior to the Magnolia Hotshots’ 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinal series versus the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Paul Lee said that it will be a different series this time around with the addition of Stanley Pringle.
“I think tumama lang yung game plan namin last conference,” he said.
“But this conference, different scenario. They got [Justin] Brownlee, they got Stanley, so nandoon yung may piyesa sila para manalo every game.”
Game One of the best-of-three series was on Saturday. And the eight-year pro was right.
In his first playoff game with the Gin Kings, Pringle had 18 points, including the scoop lay-up all over the defense of Rakeem Christmas – a shot he created by himself – to widen Ginebra’s lead to three, 82-79, with 2:44 left to play.
That shot was a big blow and hurt the Hotshots badly. They went on to lose, 79-85.
“Kitang-kita naman talaga natin,” said Lee of Pringle’s impact. “Kapag ‘di nag-work yung triangle, down eight, seven seconds… Most of the time yung bola na kay Stanley tsaka na kay Brownlee. Yun siguro yung naging story.
“We all know naman na both of them, sobrang galing talaga mag-create ng situation.”
With the loss, the Hotshots’ backs are now against the wall. One wrong move in Game Two this Tuesday would mean the end of their campaign. But as people keep saying: this situation is not new to them.
Magnolia also lost to the Barangay in their quarterfinal opener in the 2019 Philippine Cup. But they quickly recovered and went on to sweep the next two games, eventually going all the way to the championship round.
Lee, of course, wishes that they can do the same. But it will be hard this time with Brownlee and Pringle, he said.
“I wish,” said the 30-year-old guard. “I wish na ganun yung maging scenario ulit, so let’s see. Yun nga, sabi ko bago mag-start itong playoffs na ‘to, it’s gonna be a different scenario kasi nga they got Justin and Stanley.
“So let’s see.”
