PBA: Magnolia hopes to keep surviving for last playoff ticket

Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia coach Chito Victolero likes his team’s chances heading into another do-or-die game against NLEX on Sunday.

After all, the Hotshots have defied the odds by winning their last three games to move within a victory away from crashing the quarterfinal round.

Victolero hopes Sunday won’t be any different.

READ: PBA: Zavier Lucero says ‘team basketball’ keeping Magnolia alive

“We have a good chance and these chances, we just grab them as opportunities. We have a chance to play for eighth but we only have one day to prepare so hopefully, we can survive on Sunday,” said Victolero after Magnolia’s 129-92 whipping of Meralco on Friday that kept its playoff bid going.

“Whoever wins, we can’t pick. Wag na kaming choosy. Our chances are good because these boys are playing well. Our characters really showed up in these do-or-die games.”

Rain or Shine’s victory over TNT on Friday paved way for a playoff between Magnolia and NLEX with the winner earning a quarterfinals date with top team NorthPort, which owns a twice-to-beat advantage.

“The important thing is we recover our body with a day of preparation but laban na ‘yan. These players are young, after all,” Victolero said.

READ: PBA: Magnolia rips Meralco to stay in playoff contention

Zav Lucero, who spearheaded all the locals in Magnolia’s win over the Bolts, isn’t concerned despite having limited time to prepare against the Road Warriors.

“I think we have a good shot as long as we continue to play how we’ve been playing,” said Lucero after finishing with 22 points.

“We didn’t start the conference off very well but you want to be playing the best basketball towards this time of the conference and I think we’re doing that,” he added.

Magnolia and NLEX clash for the last playoff ticket on Sunday at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.