MANILA, Philippines — Magnolia lost on Wednesday night, falling into a 1-3 hole in the PBA Finals. And yet, head coach Chito Victolero was able to wade through for a positive takeaway.
"I think that's our best game in the series,” he told the press shortly after an 80-84 decision against San Miguel Beer. “'Yun ang sinasabi ko sa mga players ko — na we need to play 'our game,' which is the defensive game.
"In the last three games, even nanalo kami noong Game One, it was not our game eh,” he explained. “Now, kahit papaano, nagrespond ang mga players ko na we go to our ‘game.’ (The Beermen) only scored 84 points. I'm happy kahit papaano.”
Victolero has always harped about limiting the Beermen to less than 100 points. Prior to the series, he said that by doing so, they bolster their chance in unseating the remaining conference champions.
In Game One, the Hotshots emerged victorious, but the first-time finalist Victolero still yearned for a different script en route the victory. He said that letting the heavyweights reach 100 points will put Magnolia in the risk of always playing catch-up.
"'Yun lang naman ang gusto namin,” added Victolero. “At least we can stay in the game, and then in the end, [give ourselves] a chance to win ... 'Yun nga, we cannot dominate San Miguel eh, because of their firepower. But at least, andoon kami sa laro.”
Beyond that, there’s nothing more the tactician could for.
“We just have to find ways how to win, and I think ngayon naman, the effort, the energy, the desire ng mga players, andoon eh. Wala na akong mahihiling pa,” Victolero said.
"It's hard, because down 3-1, medyo mabigat 'yan, but 'yun nga, I'm still positive, walang imposible,” he said.
Victolero’s parting shot couldn’t be more true as the Beermen themselves pulled off the league’s staggering comeback. San Miguel, nearly three years ago, came back from a 0-3 deficit to win the Philippine Cup title.
It’s an uphill climb, indeed. And we’ll all be witnesses Magnolia can even secure the first of the many steps this coming Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Victolero, Hotshots keep the faith
Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero (right) giving out directives to his wards as he stands behind San Miguel Beer's Marcio Lassiter.
PBA Images