Despite an unblemished record in the PBA Philippine Cup, Magnolia Chicken Timplados head coach Chito Victolero refuses to let his Hotshots get complacent, emphasizing that their eyes remain firmly on the ultimate prize.
“At the end of the day, it’s how you finish the conference, na hopefully panalo ka sa very last game of the season. Iyun ‘yung ultimate goal namin,” said Victolero in a pre-game interview via the PBA website ahead of Magnolia’s clash with Terrafirma today at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Hotshots are aiming to extend their undefeated start to 5-0, a strong position as they chase a finals appearance and a potential title. Still, Victolero reminds his team to stay grounded.
“Everybody in the team, from the staff to the players, alam naman nila iyan, pero we will keep reminding them,” he said. “Hindi p’wedeng mag-kompiyansa. Baka mamaya madali pa tayo noon.”
While Terrafirma enters the matchup on a three-game skid, Victolero remains wary. The Dyip are coming off a blowout loss to Barangay Ginebra on April 23, while Magnolia last played on April 20, a 118-99 win over Phoenix in Zamboanga City.
Even after that big win, Victolero quickly shifted focus back to improvement. “Actually, pagbalik namin mula doon, Tuesday nag-film (viewing) kami, ipinakita namin mga kailangan pang i-improve,” he shared.
He pointed to defense, rebounding, and transition offense as key areas for growth. “Sa depensa, I think may mga kulang pa sa gusto naming gawin, meron pang konting lapses. Rebounding kailangan pang i-improve. Sa opensa, ‘yung aming transition kailangan pa tamang spacing, turnovers kailangang ibaba.”
Magnolia also benefits from a favorable schedule after facing Terrafirma, with week-long breaks between its next three games before a heavier slate in early June.
“Medyo favorable schedule dahil nga enough time para maka-recover ‘yung may mga injuries and sana maka-pondo ng enough wins,” added Victolero.
The post Unbeaten Magnolia stays focused as Philippine Cup grind continues first appeared on Fastbreak.
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