It was as if there were raucous fans inside the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center in Pampanga Wednesday night when Magnolia took on NLEX in 2020 PBA Philippine Cup action.
The noise was so loud that it made those inside the venue and the millions watching at home feel like they’re watching an actual game, when in fact there are no fans around except those attending virtually.
If that brought memories of live PBA games in the past, well, the Hotshots are the ones to be thanked for.
Those on the Magnolia bench gave it they’re all to cheer their teammates inside the court even if the game appeared to be a one-sided affair in favor of the Road Warriors, who led by 22 in the third canto.
And that turned out to be of great help as it led to big smiles on their faces when the final buzzer sounded.
With their defensive tenacity on full display, Magnolia rallied back from that huge of a deficit to upend NLEX, 103-100, to register their first win in the lone conference of the pandemic-interrupted season.
Coach Chito Victolero couldn’t help but beam with pride not just with how they came out victorious, but with the support those on the bench gave to their brothers that worked to improve their card to 1-1.
For the former Coach of the Year, that was a testament of the camaraderie that he tried to build the moment he took over the Hotshots’ head coaching reins from Jason Webb back in October of 2016.
“That’s our strength e. Nung nag-take over ako rito sa franchise, ‘yun yung ginawa ko talaga, to build the camaraderie and chemistry of the team,” said Victolero moments after the match.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanila, kami-kami lang ‘to, 25 lang kami na magtutulungan, magiingay, mageenjoy. Talagang happy ako na kayo mismo, nakita niyo kung paano mag-cheer yung lahat sa amin.”
But on top of everything, Magnolia enjoyed the game, which, Victolero said, is what truly made wonders in the thrilling victory.
“We enjoyed the game. Yun yung maganda. Yun yung nakakabigay ng energy sa bawa’t isa,” he said. “‘Yung bench namin, especially si Alvin [Abundo], si Rafi [Reavis], lahat talaga. Even yung may injury namin si Kyle [Pascual], kahit na tahimik yan, maingay pa rin.
“Malaking bagay dun sa mga nasa loob na nagbibigay ng energy yung mga nasa labas.”
