Chito Victolero’s postgame interviews have been modest throughout the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. On Sunday, after the Hotshots defeated a perennial powerhouse to secure a place in the knockout round, they made a bolder statement than usual.
“We won’t stop here. “This is just the beginning,” said he after a 94 to 90 victory over San Miguel Beer in Pasig City at PhilSports Arena. “We are blessed to be [set] for the quarters but the ultimate aim is to go all-the-way.”
Magnolia extended its unbeaten streak to seven games on that night. They threw their full roster at a Beermen team that was shorthanded but still managed to come out swinging, even without June Mar Fajardo, the league’s Most Valuable Player and cornerstone.
James Laput scored 14 points, seven rebounds and added 10 off the bench. Aris Dionisio also contributed 10, including free throws that sealed victory.
Victolero stated that more than just the balanced effort, the experience of playing against a team such as San Miguel in an intense match only made Magnolia better.
He said, “We need to play this type of game in the later part of the tournament as we know the playoffs are going to be similar.”
Laput, who has been a good reliever to Sangalang who is still trying his best to recover from hyperthyroidism, echoed this assessment.
Tyler Bey (No. Magnolia’s current success is fueled by contributions from all over the roster. –PBA IMAGES
Chito Victolero’s postgame interviews have been modest throughout the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. On Sunday, after the Hotshots defeated a perennial powerhouse to secure a place in the knockout round, they made a bolder statement than usual.
“We won’t stop here. “This is just the beginning”, he said, after a 94 to 90 victory over San Miguel Beer in Pasig City at PhilSports Arena. “We are blessed to be [set] for the quarters but the ultimate aim is to go all-the-way.”Advertisement
Magnolia extended its unbeaten streak to seven games on that night. They threw their full roster at a Beermen team that was shorthanded but still managed to come out swinging, even without June Mar Fajardo, the league’s Most Valuable Player and cornerstone.
Victolero’s confidence comes from this.
rotation,” Victolero said. We’ve always struggled in the playoffs when Ian (Sangalang), Paul (Lee), Jio (Jalalon) or Calvin Abueva (is injured). We have a strong rotation, and we are confident in our bench. The supporting cast has been performing and this is a big deal for us.