Victolero on facing SMB in the Finals: ‘Death 5 nga nahirapan na kami, yung 15 pa kaya’

Magnolia coach Chito Victolero has not had the opportunity to analyze San Miguel prior to their upcoming PBA 48th Season Commissioner’s Cup championship match, as their focus was on Phoenix Super LPG in the semifinals.

However, Victolero is aware that the Beermen will be a formidable opponent in the finals.

“Wala na namang tulugan ‘to. We will try to think of what we need to do with this powerful team,” said Victolero.

The Hotshots secured their place in the finals by defeating Phoenix Super LPG 89-79 in Game 4 of the semifinals. This arranged a championship series against San Miguel, the team that defeated them in a seven-game series during the 2019 Philippine Cup.

According to Victolero, San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent’s description of his team as “Death 15” rather than the “Death 5″ of their championship years in the 2010s is an appropriate definition of their current roster.

“Nabasa ko, sabi ni coach Jorge, Death 15. Death Five nga nahirapan na kami, ‘yung 15 pa kaya,” said Victolero.

With Game 1 against San Miguel on Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Magnolia has just one day to prepare. Victolero said they will do their best to analyze San Miguel’s imposing lineup, which has won 9 consecutive games and gone undefeated since import Bennie Boatwright took over.

“We will try to find ways. Lahat naman may solusyon. We will go to our strength which is ‘yung defense. We will see.”