WATCH: Interview with Coach Chito Victolero and Best Player Calvin Abueva [Mar. 8, 2023]
Magnolia vs Blackwater | PBA Season 47 Govs' Cup
Magnolia pushed the right buttons at the right time to beat Blackwater, 110-95, Wednesday as the former kept alive its hopes of nabbing a coveted spot in the PBA Governors Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
Calvin Abueva and Rome dela Rosa complemented another monster game from Antonio Hester by scoring the clutch baskets in the stretch that enabled the Hotshots to weather a furious fightback by the Bossing and complete a third straight win.
After finishing the eliminations with a 7-4 record, Magnolia now awaits the outcomes of the other games to see whether they would gain inclusion among the top four which has a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals or be among the lower-ranked teams.
One thing is certain for coach Chito Victolero, and that is his Hotshots are all ready to crank up their game at least a notch in the playoffs wherever they wind up.
“What we can control iyun ang aming tratrabahuhin, which is the game today. Then whatever happens to the other teams, hindi naming iyun kontrolado. Whatever iyung ibigay sa amin in the playoffs at least we have the chance, the opportunity,” said Victolero.
“Iyon ang pinaka-importante because at the start of the conference we’re down 0-3 right away and most of the people are doubting na baka hindi kami umabot sa playoffs. But at least in the last eight games we’re 7-1. Right now, I think ‘yung character nandiyan na, nabi-build,” added Victolero.
“I think we’re ready for the playoffs. Kung nasaan man kami, as long as we have the opportunity and the chance, we’ll take it.”