No cooling down for Hotshots as they brace for Beermen battle
After having the luxury of picking the moment to flip the switch the last two games, coach Chito Victolero and Magnolia know that they can’t do the same with a juggernaut of a team as their next opponent.“We need to be consistent against San Miguel. If we can’t do that, we’re in trouble,” Victolero said after Wednesday’s 105-84 win over the Blackwater Bossing kept the Hotshots unbeaten after six matches in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.The Beermen are the next team to challenge the Hotshots’ perfect run on Sunday at the same venue, a game that could solidify the tag of both as among the favorites to end up winning the title by February.
While Magnolia remains the only team without a loss, San Miguel is not far behind with a 3-1 record despite the injury bug that has hit the Beermen.
And the most prized figure on the mend is June Mar Fajardo, who will be out at least four weeks after fracturing his hand in a game against Rain or Shine.
Fajardo’s absence is no guarantee for the Hotshots, warns Victolero.
“There’s no advantage because they’re a talented group from top to bottom,” he said. “Maybe June Mar’s not there, but they have Mo Tautuaa and Rodney Brondial. We just need to be focused and locked in for the next three days of preparation and hopefully we can have a good showing on Sunday.”
CautiousVictolero is also cautious of San Miguel import Ivan Aska, whose presence has also been key in the Beermen’s current form despite the team also missing Jeron Teng, Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel.
Veterans Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter have also been productive and stepping up for the Beermen.
The last two games have seen Magnolia needing the second half to break away from tight contests against NLEX and Blackwater, which was down one late in the third on Wednesday.
But Magnolia put up 13 straight points from the third quarter to the last, leaning on its outside shots and defense to eventually deal Blackwater a sixth straight loss. The Bossing’s lone win came in their tournament opener against Converge.A 26-point, 22-rebound showing from import Tyler Bey led the charge for Magnolia, which dug deep into its lineup and found Joseph Eriobu there. Eriobu stepped up on both ends, putting up nine points while creating defensive plays on the other end.
Paul Lee, Jio Jalalon, Mark Barroca and Ian Sangalang were also instrumental in Magnolia’s victory. Their play will also be important if the Hotshots can make it seven wins out of seven games, which will almost assure the squad of being the first quarterfinalist in the conference. INQ
