Magnolia coach Chito Victolero isn’t exactly relishing the good start his Hotshots are currently enjoying in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Having a 3-0 start doesn’t speak well what destiny his Hotshots would reach in the end.
And you cannot blame Victolero to be worried despite winning their first three outings in the prestigious conference.
After all, the Hotshots racked up six straight wins after a 1-4 start in the Clark bubble only to end up 7th in the elimination. Being seventh meant they needed to win twice over then quarterfinal foe Phoenix. What happened was the then second-seeded Fuel Masters eliminated them right away with in one game.
“Maganda start namin pero hindi ito ‘yung tinitingnan naming na journey na gusto namin marating,” said Victolero. “Maganda iyung start, yes. But we will be humble and kailangan pa rin naming magtrabaho kasi maaga pa.”
Victolero made it clear they want to take it one game at a time before entertaining any other plans, more so since all teams have become stronger.
“One game at a time, prepare for next game,” added Victolero.
The Hotshots try to sustain their good start as they take on Terrafirma Dyip in the 12:30 p.m. opening tussle of a three-game sked today at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.
“Medyo mahirap, marami pang puwedeng mangyari, hindi kami puwedeng mag-relax. We have an ultimate goal. We will try to find ways on how to prepare hard and how to win,” stressed Victolero.
The Hotshots definitely cannot take their opponents today for granted as the Dyip can only be expected to play like they are in playoff in their bid to barge into the win column.
Talk ‘N Text returns to action today after a 10-day quarantine, playing a Rain or Shine team that’s badly beaten by Alaska (74-48) last Wednesday.
The Tropang Giga and the Elasto Painters meet in the second game at 3 p.m., after which defending champion Barangay Ginebra collides with NorthPort in the last game at 6 p.m.