The Hotshots are back in win column after beating Terrafirma.
While others saw their loss to Rain or Shine Elasto Painters as a stain to their then-perfect record, Magnolia Hotshots coach Chito Victolero begged to differ.
Victolero, in fact, thought it did more good than harm.
“Medyo nawala din ‘yung kaunting pressure kasi most of the people, hinihintay kaming matalo e,” he said.
“But sabi ko nga, it’s a Law of Averages. I think alam naming dadating, hindi lang namin alam kung kailan.” Magnolia had had to carry that pressure since sweeping the PBA On Tour and then winning the first seven games in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup.
And now the target’s off their backs, the Hotshots are ready to roll anew.
On Tuesday, the Hotshots drubbed Terrafirma Dyip, 104-91 behind Ian Sangalang’s near double-double outing.
But while they are assured of a quarterfinal berth, Magnolia has no plans of slowing down as it eyes the twice-to-beat incentive in the playoffs.
At 8-1, Magnolia looks to propel another winning rampage when it tackles Converge FiberXers on Saturday where Calvin Abueva is expected to make his comeback.
“We will respect our opponent,” said Victolero of the FiberXers who are mired in the cellar with a 1-7 record.
“The target is the incentives sa quarterfinals…. I will try my best to motivate the players because that’s my job as a coach.”
Gametime is set at 6:15 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(CF)