MAGNOLIA is not yet out of the woods.
But the Hotshots couldn’t conceal their relief and joy in stopping the San Miguel Beer juggernaut and getting into the series Wednesday.
Coach Chito Victolero insists it’s the energy and fire generated from a two-day rest that carried them to a crucial 88-80 win in Game 3.
And they hope to continue to feed on it in a bid to square up the PBA Commissioner’s Cup title series in Game 4 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen, meanwhile, look to regroup and strike back to get to the hill.
It’s crucial tiff with the Hotshots taking a shot at getting even at 2-2 and the Beermen going for a pivotal 3-1 lead.
And it’s about imposing one’s strength over the other.
“Kapag umiskor iyan ng over 100 points, napakahirap talunin. That’s why we have to bring our defensive scheme. We have to come out with our defensive mind set,” said Victolero.
The Beermen battered the Hotshots, 103-95, in Game 1, then repeated with a 109-85 triumph in Game 2.
“We’ve been consistent on our defense for the whole conference. Iyan ang hindi namin nagawa noong Game 1 and Game 2, we allowed them to score and do what they wanted. So we brought that defensive mentality back,” Victolero pointed out.
The Beermen are moving on from the Game 3 defeat, hopeful of their own turnaround especially on the return of Jericho Cruz from one-game suspension.
“That’s a good team we’re playing so we expected them to come out hard and play well in Game 3. They did that and they got the win,” said San Miguel import Bennie Boatwright.
“It’s part of life. You win some, you lose some but you know, no need to over-react. We’re just going to be ready for Game 4.”
Boatwright is determined to pick up the pieces of his first loss in the PBA. He had been unbeaten since making his debut with the Beermen on Christmas Day.
Before the 7:30 p.m. opening tip, either Boatwright or Magnolia’s Tyler Bey is to be proclaimed Best Import. Also to be announced is the winner of the Best Player of the Conference plum.
Then the Hotshots and the Beermen return to battle.(SB)
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