By REYNALD MAGALLON
Magnolia eyes to keep its spotless run when it collides with a Meralco side that is still struggling to establish its footing in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Wednesday, May 14.
The Hotshots are the only undefeated team halfway through the elimination – a streak they hope to sustain against the Bolts in the 7:30 p.m. clash.
The contest comes after the appetizer in the opening game between Terrafirma and another streaking team NLEX at 5 p.m.
Magnolia surely is the favorite in the crucial tiff, especially with the weary Meralco playing its third game in a span of seven days – splitting the first two with a victory against NorthPort last Friday and then dropping its last outing against TNT two days after.
The Hotshots are also playing its best brand of basketball as of late with young guns Zav Lucero and Jerom Lasitmosa leading the way and the veterans of Paul Lee, Ian Sangalang, Mark Barroca providing the stabilizing presence for the team.
“We’re happy we have a good start compared to the last two conferences but we’re still far from our goal and we still have to keep on working hard every time,” said Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero.
“Everybody’s stepping up, everybody’s contributing and ‘yung naman yung system namin. We try to go hard every time we step on the court and give our 100 percent, even ‘yung mga players na galing sa bench, ready maglaro,” he added.
Although the Bolts are struggling, it cannot be denied the fact the crew is still a championship-caliber squad especially with Chris Newsome leading the charge.
The team also has the likes of Cliff Hodge, Chris Banchero, Bong Quinto and Aaron Black to rely on but it is its defense that is missing after the Bolts gave up over a hundred points in the last three games.
