VETERAN guard Mark Barroca admitted Magnolia is in a critical situation now in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Currently out of the playoffs picture occupying the no. 10 spot, the Hotshots' situation was made far worse following their 95-92 heartbreaker at the hands of rival Barangay Ginebra Kings in the league's final playdate for 2024 last Christmas Day at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Hotshots collapsed in the endgame after leading by as many as 22 points in the third period.
"Pagkatalo ng this game talaga may sense of urgency na," said Barroca.
Magnolia has now lost five of its last six games to tumble down in the standings with a 2-5 record.
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The Hotshots still have five games left in their schedule to turn things around beginning with the team's January 10 tussle against winless Terrafirma.
The team returns to practice on Dec. 29 as it begins to chart out a big comeback in the second half of its campaign.
While the break is a welcome one, Barroca also sees a downside to it.
"Nakakatakot din itong break para sa amin, e. "Kasi ngayon naghihingalo pa yung team namin. Baka mawala yung sense of urgency," said the 38-year-old playmaker out of Far Eastern University.
"So ngayon pa lang bilang professional na player, alam na namin kung ano ang gagawin sa katawan namin, alagaan namin, para pagdating sa next game namin, sharp pa rin kami." (RG)
