Victolero keeps faith in Lee despite missing potential game winner

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Star coach Chito Victolero said he won’t have any second thoughts on giving the ball to Paul Lee again come winning time when the opportunity presents itself.

“Yes. I believe nine out of 10 times, he’ll make it,” Victolero said in Filipino after the Lee muffed the potential game-winning floater in the waning seconds of Game 2 on Monday.

Lee’s shot hit the back rim as Star fell, 77-76, and San Miguel equalized their 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals series at 1-1.

“It’s a matter of one play,” said the affable Victolero. “Defensively, we were able to execute, so it’s just one play in the end.”

Victolero didn’t chide Lee for the botched attempt, but rather, he lauded the guts of the 28-year-old guard for taking matters to his own hands down the stretch.

“I’m still very happy. I’m very proud that Paul had the courage and the confidence in those situations to shoot it. Had it went in, we’ll be 2-0, but it didn’t so it’s still fine. Again and again, if I have a chance to give it to Paul again, I’ll give it to him,” he said.

The Hotshots had their eight-game winning streak snapped but Victolero maintains a positive outlook going into Game 3 on Wednesday.

“Actually, they don’t have that much of an adjustment. The difference today was San Miguel started very strong, so we need to adjust on how we start the game,” he said.

“I think we had a good second half, did what we needed to correct from the first half. It boils down to what kind of game we wanted to play, which is a defensive game, but we just fell short in the end when it comes to execution and a little luck. We’re still okay.”