Magnolia had their sights set on finishing off the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Game Six of their 2019 PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series on Friday night – and at the place where they won the 2018 Governors’ Cup: at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Yes, the same venue that has been magical for them for the past year.
But it didn’t happen.
No thanks to sophomore guard Rey Nambatac waxing hot in the final frame – when he scorched the net with four triples – the Hotshots bowed to the Elasto Painters, 81-91. Their semifinals series is now going to a deciding Game Seven.
Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero did not delve deeper in the loss, saying that his side simply got outworked by RoS.
“They outworked us. They were more aggressive than us, they wanted it more than us,” said Victolero, whose team had actually had ample momentum following their three straight wins that gave them a 3-2 series lead.
Victolero isn’t bowing his head, however, as they have one more game to redeem themselves for a possible Finals return.
“Buti na lang may Game Seven pa. We’ll just try to read film and tignan namin kung anong pwede naming gawin pa,” he said. “We’ll be ready, we’ll make minor adjustments. But it’s all about the will and the desire of the players.
“Konti na lang yung adjustment diyan. Kung sino yung mas may gusto on Sunday yun mananalo.”
Elasto Painters head coach Caloy Garcia expressed during the post-game that despite being in a 50-50 situation, they can’t be too confident facing the Hotshots given their experience in do-or-die situations.
Still, Victolero said that it will need more than experience on Sunday.
“You know ‘di lang naman siguro experience. Kailangan din ng will and effort. Everything on Sunday – we will give everything on Sunday,” he said. “Yes, we have experience in do-or-die situations, we know the feeling.
“Hopefully, we can survive this Game Seven.”
