It looks like the Ynares Center in Antipolo City is now the Magnolia Hotshots’ the home court.
Magnolia have enjoyed plenty of success playing at the venue. In the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup, they finished off defending champs Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the semifinals, before clinching the title at the Alaska Aces’ expense.
And on Saturday night, with them in dire need of another victory in the 2019 Philippine Cup, the Hotshots displayed their playoff form and churned out an impressive performance to tear apart the Milkmen anew, 103-86.
“I think Ynares is very good to us,” acknowledged Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero with a chuckle, moments after their win over Alaska. “Medyo lucky kami dito sa gym na ito. Every time we need a win, dinadala kami dito.
“Siguro lucky charm namin itong Ynares.”
The victory improved the Hotshots’ win-loss record to 2-4, while keeping them very much alive in the quarterfinal hunt. But their five remaining games in the elimination round will not be a walk in the park.
Last season’s Philippine Cup finalists will soon face the rising Columbian Dyip; long-time rivals Gin Kings in a Manila Clasico tiff; the NorthPort Batang Pier, the Blackwater Elite, and then the NLEX Road Warriors, in that order.
“Hindi madali yung pagdadaanan namin. Hopefully, sana, makalusot kami,” Victolero warned.
And for Magnolia to have better chances in their next assignments, Victolero would like to suggest something.
“Yun nga eh, kausapin ko nga si Commissioner. Palitan na lahat ng game namin dito.”
