Pacquiao reminds Kia to ‘stay positive’ after loss to Blackwater

Coach Manny Pacquiao of KIA. PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines—Kia lead assistant coach Chito Victolero said Manny Pacquiao left the players with important reminders following a loss to Blackwater on Saturday before leaving the dugout to catch his scheduled flight to Los Angeles later in the night.

Victolero said Pacquiao told the team to remain “positive” despite taking a 115-104 defeat in a game where the Carnivals were expected to win having beaten powerhouse teams San Miguel, Purefoods and Talk ‘N Text in their three wins this conference.

“He told us ‘let’s stay positive,'” Victolero said shortly after the loss where Kia fell behind by as much as 18.

Victolero said Pacquiao also expects Kia to bounce back from its sixth loss in nine games and win at least two of its last three games.

The Carnival will take on Philippine Cup finalist Alaska on Tuesday, NLEX on March 18 and Rain or Shine on March 22.

“The big picture is the playoffs,” said Victolero, who praised Blackwater’s energy and preparation that led to the win.

Pacquiao departs for the US to train for his May 2 clash with Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

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