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| Simon Enciso was the bright spot for Phoenix in its crushing loss. PBA |
By Ivan Saldajeno
PASAY--Coach Ariel Vanguardia received the blame for Phoenix's devastating loss to Star on Saturday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
[Related Story: Star downs Phoenix through Saturday shredding]
"I take full responsibility on the loss. Akala ko pa-take off na kami," Vanguardia told some sportswriters after the game. "Our game plan was geared toward 'Ito yung game that might pull us higher in the team standings.' I think we over-prepared. Gusto naming bawiin sa shoot yung lamang, so when we were trading baskets from the first timeout, sinabi ko, 'We cannot last trading baskets.' Totoo nga ang nangyari. Di kami maka-stop. We didn't have the same mindset--yung sense of urgency--noong kalaban namin yung San Miguel, so yun ang nangyari. We got blown out."
He also said that the 79-123 defeat is something the Fuel Masters should worry about a lot.
"Di ko alam kung sinong team ang naglaro doon. We should be ashamed to ourselves, our families, those that are supporting us, and the management that we didn't give justice of wearing this uniform tonight," Vanguardia continued.
Despite the awful outing, Vanguardia is ready to move forward.
"We're gonna look to rise from this debacle and come out a better team next game," he vowed.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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