Mar 19, 2018

Chito Victolero tells troops to stay focused as Magnolia tries to get job done

COACH Yeng Guiao has a modest goal, for his NLEX crew to stretch its PBA Philippine Cup semi-finals duel with Magnolia Ang Pambansang Manok to a seventh and deciding game.

"Makarating ng Game 7 ano man maging resulta masaya na kami," the grizzled tactician has said.

"Kahit na mag-salit-salitan lang, pagdating ng Game 7 toss coin na lang iyon, e. You'd take that chance. Ok na kami doon."

It seems that simple wish would not be granted.

Not with the Hotshots bristling to put an abrupt ending to the series against a Road Warriors side which has a key player extremely doubtful for Tuesday's Game 6 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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Due to its 87-78 victory last Sunday, Magnolia went ahead, 3-2, in the best-of-seven duel and would realize a first-ever return to the finals since 2014 with another victory.

Immediately following the win, which came on the heels of a 79-91 loss in Game 4, Hotshots coach Chito Victolero was quick to put his team's exhilaration to a proper perspective.

"We need four wins to go to the finals, so just try to maintain... be consistent on our effort, consistent on our focus and our mental toughness," stated Victolero.

"May konting advantage kasi nanalo kami ngayon. But again 'di pa tapos series."

What should make Victolero more upbeat going to the game is the defensive tenacity Magnolia displayed so well in Game 5, especially in the fourth quarter, and the projected absence of NLEX guard Kevin Alas.

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Alas injured his right knee while going for a drive barely 39 seconds into last Sunday's game. More tests are set Monday afternoon, but initial diagnosis is a torn anterior cruciate ligament which would sideline him for up to eight months.

Without Alas, who creates for his teammates aside from being usually good for 9.75 points, 6.25 rebounds and 3.5 assists in the series, NLEX's offense ultimately floundered.

The Road Warriors made only one field goal in the first six minutes of the payoff period and shot 6-of-22 in the quarter, a far cry from their 41.4 percent shooting in the first three frames.

The way his charges bucked the absence of Alas and managed to hold their own up to the third quarter is what props NLEX coach Yeng Guiao's confidence.

"Dikdikan naman e, kahit wala si Kevin. We put up a good fight, all the way to the fourth quarter," said Guiao.

"So it's a do-or-die game again para sa amin, just like in Game 4," added Guiao. "But then again we have shown we can bounce back even with our backs against the wall and, who knows? Baka maka-tsamba ulit." (NC)