Pacquiao laments Kia’s conditioning in loss to Purefoods

Video by INQUIRER.net’s Ryan Leagogo

RIZAL, Philippines — Kia playing-coach Manny Pacquiao on Wednesday rued his team’s conditioning following its loss to Purefoods.

The Sorento stayed in step with the heavily-favored Hotshots through three quarters and even led by nine late in the third period.

Manny Pacquiao PBA appreciation with PBA Commissioner Atty. Chito Salud and Antipolo City Mayor Junjun Ynares. PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

But the fourth quarter was a different story for Kia, which allowed only 34 points in the first half but gave up 38 points in the final frame alone.

“Maganda yung laro namin (we played well),” said Pacquiao after his team reeled to its eighth straight setback following an 88-77 loss at the jampacked Ynares Center in Antipolo.

“Nag-collapse lang kami (we just collapsed). Naubusan ng stamina nung fourth quarter (we lost stamina in the fourth quarter),” Pacquiao said. “Yun na lang ang i-improve namin (that’s the only thing that we have to improve on).”

The WBO welterweight champion was optimistic even after another loss as he commended his players’ performance.

“Maganda yung pinakita ng players (the players gave a good showing). Maganda yung depensa (they played good defense).”