Semis-bound Hotshots learn from last loss

MANILA, Philippines -- Losing their last game of the elimination round was a big learning experience for the Magnolia Hotshots and import Tyler Bey, head coach Chito Victolero said, as they punched the first semifinal ticket of the PBA Commissioner's Cup.

The top-seeded Hotshots dominated the TNT Tropang Giga on Wednesday night, 109-94, advancing to this conference's semifinal round.

With the win, Victolero said their heartbreaking 85-80 defeat at the end of the eliminations against the Meralco Bolts gave them great lessons ahead of the quarterfinals.

"It builds our character. We talked about our last game, our Meralco game, and we learned a lot from that, especially this guy on my right, our import [Bey]," Victolero told reporters.

During Wednesday's match, Bey was simply dominant, finishing with 41 points, 13 rebounds, five steals, three blocks and two assists.

He shot 11-of-21 from the field and made all of his 16 free throws.

In the January 6 game against the Bolts, Bey was limited to 23 points on six-of-18 shooting and he made just 11 of his 18 freebies.

"[Bey] learned the physicality, he learned how to play in the playoffs and also, our free throws, in our last game was so bad," Victolero said.

"Good thing we had 10, 11 days before this game and all the adjustments, all the things that we lacked, we were able to address them," he added.

On Wednesday, the Hotshots made 26 of their 29 free throws, compared to 24 of 39 against Meralco.

"Good thing here is although we lost the game against Meralco, we learned a lot."

Bey, for his part, said his first experience of the PBA playoffs was "fun."

The do-it-all forward said he was able to step up mentally, and he adjusted well for the PBA's physicality and officiating.

The Hotshots ended the eliminations with a league-leading 9-2 win-loss slate.

They will be waiting in the semifinals for the winner in the sudden death match between the Phoenix Fuel Masters and the Meralco Bolts.