Meralco needs to play better team defense, says Hugnatan

Reynel Hugnatan believes Meralco’s woeful record in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup is emanating from its struggles on the defensive end.

And it was evident on Wednesday with the Bolts allowing the Mahindra Floodbuster to shoot 51% from the field in a 105-92 loss, their fifth straight setback.

“We just really need to play better team defense. That’s where we’re lacking right now,” said Hugnatan in Filipino.

READ: Mahindra rides Paniamogan’s hot hand, frustrates Meralco

Before the game, Meralco is playing mediocre defense, ranking sixth in points allowed and seventh in opponent’s field goal percentage, as per the league’s head statistician Fidel Mangonon.

Meralco also saw Mahindra set a franchise-record 21 3-pointers with Philip Paniamogan accounting for seven triples and missing only twice.

The Bolts slid to a league-worst 2-6 in the standings, but Hugnatan feels it’s still too early to wave the white flag.

READ: Hardwork pays off for undrafted Paniamogan

“I think we still have a chance and we can’t worry about what’s going to happen. We just have to work and help each other because team defense has really been our problem.”

“It’s frustrating, but it’s part of the game. We just need to double our efforts every game especially on defense. We need to focus next time.”