Magnolia hopes past lessons can sustain strong opening this time
Getting a win to start the PBA Philippine Cup won’t be much of a good omen for Magnolia given the way things transpired in the previous two conferences.
“Our goal is to start strong and sustain [our form] this conference,” coach Chito Victolero said after the Hotshots’ 106-84 rout of the Blackwater Bossing in Saturday’s match at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Zavier Lucero led the charge in getting a victory in the season-ending conference, which Magnolia hopes will end in better results and lesser dilemmas than in the Governors’ Cup and Commissioner’s Cup.
Both of the previous conferences saw the Hotshots getting booted out in the quarterfinals, with the first conference marred by multiple import changes. In the Commissioner’s Cup, it took a late form in the eliminations following a slew of injuries to sneak into the last playoff spot.
Vital cog
“I think our players have learned from our experience, especially last conference,” added Victolero, whose team also won the opener last conference before going on a losing spell.
How Lucero builds on his 21 points and seven rebounds against the Bossing could play a crucial part in the chances of the Hotshots, who have actually failed to get past the quarters in three straight conferences and four of the past five.
Lucero has shown why he’s a vital cog for Magnolia since being dealt from NorthPort before Season 49 began, but the all-Filipino could be a chance for the University of the Philippines product to stand out.
“For me, I’m just trying to take advantage of the opportunity and putting in a lot of work,” said Lucero. “I’m just going to do whatever I can to contribute.”
Ian Sangalang posted 15 points and 10 rebounds, Mark Barroca posted 14 while rookie Jerom Lastimosa and Calvin Abueva, now sporting the No. 73 jersey instead of No. 13, added 13 each for Magnolia.
Blackwater absorbed a brutal loss to begin the conference, spoiling a 31-point showing from Christian David.
Speedy rookie guard Sedrick Barefield, limited to just four games in the Commissioner’s Cup due to an injury, had 24 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals for the Bossing.
The Bossing opened the conference three days after coach Jeffrey Cariaso was among the 10 names chosen to be included in the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players.
Meanwhile, defending champion Meralco and Terrafirma, winners on opening night, seek a second win and the early lead when they face off on Sunday at 5 p.m. inside the same venue.
Converge tackles Phoenix at 7:30 p.m. looking to bounce back after blowing a 20-point lead and falling to Meralco, 91-89, on Chris Newsome’s winning jumper.
