A QUARTERFINALS stint, aside from valuable lessons gained in its maiden foray in the PBA 3×3 tournament, should do wonders for league newcomer Wilcon Depot.
Coach Anton Altamirano said the lack of conditioning took its toll on his charges’ bid but is using it as a motivation to perform better in the coming Legs.
“It was a tough reality check for us,” Altamirano said. “We’re still not in game shape and it only tells us that we need to strive harder if we want to progress further.”
Wilcon Depot fell short in its bid for a semis seat in Leg 1 of the league’s Season 3 first conference at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, falling to Terrafirma 18-20 in their quarterfinal tiff last Tuesday.
TH Tumalip led Wilcon Depot with seven points and six rebounds, while Yutien Andrada had four.
Ael Banal struggled in the Last Eight as he shot 3-of-13 from the field. Big man Keith Datu was also neutralized and held to just three points and two boards.
Jason Tan and Red Cachuela paced the Dyip with six points each.
But it’s clear the guest team’s performance on Day One was a promising sign for Altamirano.
Wilcon Depot topped Pool B and stunned Cavitex18-16 before tripping Purefoods 18-13 and trouncing San Miguel 21-16 to show that it’s no pushover.
Wilcon Depot will now looks to build on the lessons from its exit when Leg 2 is held on July 10 and 11 at the Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati.
