Having played on opening day and being a finalist in the PBA Philippine Cup the last two years, one would think Magnolia Ang Pambansang Manok should be the overwhelming favorite against NLEX Wednesday.
Not so fast, according to Hotshots coach Chito Victolero on the eve of the match at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center in Angeles City.
“Kasi ‘yung preparation dito is very limited and sabay-sabay kaming nag-umpisa,” explained Victolero, whose team lost badly to defending champion San Miguel Beer, 78-94, on March 8, three days before the PBA shut down operations due to COVID-19.
“Kaya siguro ‘yung unang game nila hindi ganoon ang kanilang rhythm,” added Victolero in offering his take on why NLEX lost to Barangay Ginebra, 92-102, last Sunday.
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“But ang advantage nila nakalaro na sila so kuha na nila iyun kahit konti. Plus, ‘yung feel sa playing in the court in an official game na wala pa kami. We expect na much better ‘yung lalaruin nila kaysa noong Sunday.”