Feb 14, 2019

Coach Chito Victolero says Hotshots can't afford to lose again

Notwithstanding Magnolia's defeat to Rain or Shine last Wednesday, coach Chito Victolero is still all praises for the Hotshots.

While he maintained that the team has yet to fully regain its rhythm, Victolero noted that Hotshots showed tremendous character in dealing with the E-Painters as compared to their first two games.

"It's much better compared to our last two games, but talo pa rin. But I'm very happy sa nilaro namin," offered the reigning coach of the year.

Victolero said the breaks of the game simply did not go their way against Rain or Shine.

After trailing for most part of the game, Magnolia appeared headed to victory when Paul Lee gave the Hotshots a 74-72 lead with 6.1 seconds left.

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But Lady Luck wasn't on their side.

After a timeout, James Yap returned to the floor and completed a three-point play with 3.1 seconds left to spoil Magnolia's hopes of snapping a two-game slump.

Instead, Rain or Shine stretched its winning streak to five games and improved to 7-1 (win-lost) record.

"Pangalawa nang game na sa defensive breaks [nagkatalo]. Even sa TNT ganoon din," said Victolero, recalling their 75-80 overtime loss to the KaTropa in their debut last Feb. 3.

And while Victolero is happy that his chargers are slowly regaining their form, he can't help but worry as the PBA takes a two-week break to support the national team's campaign in the last window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

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"Medyo okay na hindi okay. Okay kasi medyo nakakabalik na yung players, ang problema is break na naman. We can't afford to lose our timing and rhythm.

"And we can't afford to relax and lose again kasi one or two losses, baka 'di kami umabot sa quarters," Victolero said. (JB)