WITH its back against the ropes, Magnolia refused to lie down and die against Meralco last Wednesday.
Just how resilient the Hotshots are will be known tonight when they take on the Bolts anew in their do-or-die Game 5 semis duel in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The knockout match is set at 6 p.m., with the winner advancing to the Big Dance of the season-ending tourney opposite reigning champion Ginebra.
After losing two straight games, Magnolia coach Chito Victolero said a change in his charges’ mindset did wonders in their 94-73 victory in Game 4 that knotted the series at 2-2.
“‘No more tomorrow’ was the mentality. We just tried to live one game at a time,” Victolero said. “Pinag-usapan lang namin is every possession, we need to grind. Possession by possession, on both ends of the floor. It’s all about effort, staying together for 48 minutes.
“Siguro medyo nawawala sa amin in the last two games was how we enjoyed the game.
Right now, those are the two words, the grind, and we need to enjoy the game. Iyon lang iyong ginawa namin.”
Import Mike Harris sizzled with 34 points and hauled down 18 rebounds, while Paul Lee woke up from stupor and fired 17 markers despite aggravating a left ankle injury early in the third quarter for the Hotshots.
Calvin Abueva had 11 points and eight boards, and Jio Jalalon 10 for Magnolia, which atoned for its 95-101 loss in Game 3 last Sunday.
Harris, Lee, Abueva, Jalalon, Ian Sanggalang, and Mark Barroca are expected to carry the fight for Magnolia.
Tony Bishop scored 22 points and grabbed 16 rebounds for Meralco, while Chris Newsome added 11.
The Bolts also mostly played without Chris Banchero due to back spasms.
Aside from Bishop and Newsome, the Norman Black-mentored Meralco side will count on Allein Maliksi, Raymond Almazan, Cliff Hodge, and Bong Quinto in its attempt to reach the finals after losing to the Kings two years ago.
Expect the combatants to grind it out in the decider, according to Victolero, who insisted the job is not yet done.
“It will be more physical in Game 5. We expect a more physical game just like the (first) four games. It’s a do-or-die. We just try to have the proper mindset, iyong mental toughness namin on both ends of the floor we need to have that,” Victolero said.
