RICARDO Ratliffe's return to form couldn't have come at a better time for Magnolia.
Recovered from nursing a shoulder injury early on in the team's PBA Commissioner's Cup campaign, the Magnolia import is expected to play a major part in the Hotshots' bid for a late run at a playoffs berth.
"Right now I think he's 100 percent. It's good for us," said coach Chito Victolero of the Korean naturalized player.
Ratliffe had 32 points and 14 rebounds in Magnolia's 89-84 win over Terrafirma to remain in the thick of the fight for a berth in the quarterfinals.
The Hotshots improved to a 3-5 record after a rough start to an injury-marred campaign, including Ratliffe's hurting shoulder.
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The 35-year-old import, according to Victolero, sustained the injury in the team's game against Converge last Dec. 1 and has since been bothered by it.
"Talagang dinadala niya," said the Magnolia coach, but adding Ratliffe made no big deal about it.
"Si Ricardo naman tahimik lang yan. Kumbaga no excuses for him," Victolero said.
The holiday break gave Ratliffe the breather to rest and recover.
"Na-rest niya na yung body niya as well as yung injury niya. The medical staff did a good job of handling the injury," Victolero said.
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With a healthy Ratliffe, the Hotshots are looking forward to a crucial three-week stretch that will have the team needing to win all of its remaining four games to have a better shot of making the playoffs starting with Sunday's battle with defending champion San Miguel.
Victolero added, "With the help of the locals, we will have a good run this next few games."
After San Miguel, next for Magnolia are Phoenix, guest team Eastern, and Meralco. (RG)
