Christmas Day finds Magnolia searching for gift vs Ginebra

Magnolia Hotshots import import Ricardo Ratliffe in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –PBA IMAGES

Magnolia’s bid to cram for more victories in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup resumes this Christmas Day and standing in the Hotshots’ way is a Barangay Ginebra side just as eager to recapture its winning ways.

Tip-off between the corporate siblings is at 7:30 p.m. at the fabled Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City with Chito Victolero knowing all too well what’s at stake.

At 2-4 (win-loss), Magnolia’s title hopes would virtually crater with another loss and provide more fodder to the club’s naysayers who feel that Hotshots are far from being true contenders.

“This is what we’ve been dealt with,” Victolero said of the mounting pressure to collect enough wins to reach the threshold for the playoffs. “[But I told the team that] pressure is when you go out and see the homeless fighting for their food for the day.”

“Us? We’re blessed,” he went on. “We still have a chance to contend. The only thing we need to do is to grind for 48 minutes. We’ve been doing that in the past games, it’s just we’re unable to finish.”

Meanwhile, Meralco also shoots for a rebound win against a Converge crew that recently dealt Barangay Ginebra its second loss in five games.

Akil returns

The Bolts have reactivated original import Akil Mitchell following his recovery from a nose injury. He will be joined in the 5 p.m. curtain-raiser by gunner Allein Maliksi who is also coming back from sick bay.

Jordan Heading, the former Gilas Pilipinas sharpshooter who recently joined the Converge squad, will be one of the draws for the two clubs that will be playing their first Christmas duel.

“I’ve done that in the [United] States, Taiwan and Japan. It’s fun and a little bit of a different atmosphere. Everyone’s happy to be away from work and enjoy the show with their families. Hopefully we can give them a good day and a good show and make their money and time on Christmas Day worth it,” he said.

Raring for his chance

The Hotshots beat the Gin Kings in their previous Christmas Day encounter, 117-94, three years ago.  Mike Harris led the rout of the crowd darlings held also at the Big Dome.

And import Ricardo Ratliffe is raring to have his chance as well.

“I know it’s the biggest rivalry in this league. I didn’t get a chance the first two times when I came in as a replacement. I usually come in right around the playoffs because of the season in Korea, but I’m definitely looking forward to my rivalry game,” he said.