MAGNOLIA Ang Pambansang Manok and Phoenix collide Sunday, with the combatants seeking answers to several questions in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Hotshots have not seen action since losing to San Miguel Beer in the Philippine Cup finals series that ended last April 6.
True, they have had practices the last two weeks. But there's nothing like official games against real-live opponents to whip his team up into the well-oiled machine that it was in the season-opening tournament, according to coach Chito Victolero.
"We'll just try to bring back the rhythm and timing of our players and also the chemistry of our locals with (import) Vernon Macklin," said Victolero.
"After two weeks practice I think we're ready for another big challenge and we will be facing a very hungry team so we need to be ready and stay sharp because they're playing very well right now."
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Phoenix counterpart Louie Alas has his own concerns.
The Fuel Masters split their first two games, winning over Blackwater 107-102 but dropping a 98-106 decision to TNT last April 28.
In both those matches, Phoenix got outscored in the third canto by an average of 12 points and that's what bothers Alas most. "My main concern is our mental toughness," he said.
"Two games na every third quarter problema kaming mag-execute," added Alas. "Bad choice of shots, resulting in fastbreak, transition points.
"We need to solve it."
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Real quick, for Magnolia boasts of a line-up that not only has a defensive and rebounding demon in Macklin but also Ian Sangalang, Paul Lee, Mark Barroca and Rome dela Rosa leading a power-packed local crew.
Phoenix's chances should be enhanced when James White, averaging 31.5 points, 12.5 rebounds and 3.5 blocks, is able to spark the likes of Matthew Wright, Jeff Chan, Jason Perkins and Justin Chua.(NC)
