Chito Victolero, Magnolia ‘stay positive’ ahead of Game 7

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero stayed upbeat despite the Hotshots’ loss to San Miguel Beer on Sunday that paved way for a Game 7 in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

Victolero said he still liked what he saw from his team when it came back from 21 points down in the first half that threatened San Miguel Beer entering the fourth quarter.

“It boils down to one game. Do-or-die game on Wednesday. We’re still positive,” he said after a 98-86 loss to the Beermen at Araneta Coliseum. “We know that it’s not going to be easy. Good thing is we have another opportunity.”

“I love our effort we were down by 18 and trimmed it down to six. It’s just that the lead was too big and it’s hard for us to win like that.”

Victolero attributed the loss to his team’s inability to control the boards a crucial department of the game that San Miguel dominated thanks to its reigning five-time MVP June Mar Fajardo.

Fajardo dominated the paint, finishing with 23 points and 18 rebounds, 11 of which came on the offensive glass.

“They dominated us in second chance points and offensive rebounds,” Victolero said.

The Beermen hauled down 53 rebounds as compared to the Hotshots’ 40 while also scoring 31 second chance points.

“We just try to stay positive. The Xs and Os will be secondary [come Game 7]. I told my players let’s just enjoy the game.”