Hard-luck Victolero misses Magnolia quarterfinal vs Phoenix

CHITO Victolero wasn’t around for Magnolia’s quarterfinal match against Phoenix in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday.

Victolero was placed under the league’s health and safety protocols on the eve of the Hotshots’ match against the seventh-seeded Fuel Masters at the Philsports Arena.

The Magnolia coach is still recovering from a torn Achilles that required surgery, although he already could walk on his own and no longer needed a mobility scooter during the Hotshots’ last game against Rain or Shine.

As the second seeded team however, Magnolia enjoys a twice-to-beat edge against Phoenix.

Lead deputy Jason Webb called the shots for the Hotshots in the absence of Victolero.