BY MICHAEL JUGADO
TRAILING by 14 points early on against a fast-starting NLEX side, Magnolia managed to find a way out and pull off a big win last Saturday night.
Coach Chito Victolero said his charges simply rewarded his belief and trust that they could still turn things around.
“Kilala ko naman ang mga ito. Kailangan lang siguro ng kaunting paalala, kaunting reminders sa kanila kung ano ang nangyari noong first half. Matagal na rin kaming magkakasama,” Victolero said.
“I know paano sila mag-respond doon sa gusto ko and iyon, very quick in the first six minutes (of the third quarter) ay nakakuha kami ng momentum and tuloy-tuloy na,” he added.
Bolstered by a fiery second half charge, the Hotshots overpowered the Road Warriors 87-73 for their third straight win and a share of fifth in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Victolero admitted his charges struggled to initially find their groove but went on attack mode and tightened their defensive screws that spelled the big difference.
“Iyong timing and rhythm namin noong first quarter, first half, talagang wala. Parang ang hirap naming kumuha ng rhythm. Ang pinag-usapan namin noong third quarter kailangan namin iyong attack mode nandoon, magsimula kami sa depensa,” Victolero said.
“That’s why we played small in the third quarter para at least makakuha kami ng momentum. Good thing iyon medyo maganda ang adjustment, medyo nakakuha kami ng momentum sa third quarter, nagsimula kami sa depensa para makuha namin iyong pace ng game namin.”
Mark Barroca showed the way for the Hotshots with a game-high 18 points laced with five rebounds and three assists, while his backcourt partner Jio Jalalon barely missed a double-double with 16 markers, six boards and nine dimes.
