Magnolia Hotshots’ Aris Dionisio during a PBA Governors’ Cup game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Aris Dionisio broke a Magnolia franchise record on Friday in the Hotshits’ 110-94 win over NorthPort in Group A of the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Dionisio waxed hot and made nine triples–a franchise-best–en route to a career-high of 30 points. He surpassed Boyet Fernandez, who held the previous record at eight triples made in a single game.
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Dionisio, though, downplayed his record-breaking game, saying he simply focused on how he could help the Hotshots rack up wins before the playoffs.
READ: PBA: Magnolia shuts down NorthPort to secure playoffs berth
“I don’t really think of these achievements,” said Dionisio in Filipino. “All I think about is how I could help the team every game. I also think about my lapses so I can improve it and help the squad.”
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Dionisio, though, highlighted his daily routine as the fuel behind his record-breaking game that sent Magnolia to a 5-4 card.
“Every day I go to practice early, think a little bit and when I feel like I can have the ball, I stretch a bit and shoot. Every day, I can’t go without shooting,” said the 29-year-old swingman.
READ: Aris Dionisio replaces Scottie Thompson in PBA All-Star Game
“If my body could still handle it after practice, I shoot some more. Maybe all my extra practice and shooting just paid off for me to achieve this,” added the fifth-year forward.
If there was anybody surprised with Dionisio’s breakout game, it certainly wasn’t coach Chito Victolero.
Victolero lauded Dionsio after his historic outing and said it was a long time coming after seeing his determination behind closed doors and away from the spotlight.
“He deserves that. This guy works hard in practice. Every day, he’s early to work on his shots and we expect Aris to grow this season and we’ve been talking about it before the start of the season,” said the coach.
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“We need his offense and his versatility on defense. He deserves this breakout game and hopefully, he becomes consistent by working on his game.”