MAGNOLIA sees itself as the underdog in its quarterfinal tiff against TNT even after securing the No. 1 seed in Group B of the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup.
The Hotshots sealed the top spot thanks to a 107-103 win over Rain or Shine on Wednesday, but that put them in a best-of-five crossover quarterfinal matchup against defending champion TNT, the No. 4 seed out of Group A.
“The prize of being No. 1, we will play TNT and RHJ (Rondae Hollis-Jefferson),” head coach LA Tenorio said.
For sure, the Tropang 5G are not your usual fourth seed.
After beginning the conference with player injuries, they are now fully healthy and much more motivated to defend their crown in winning seven out of their 12 games in the elimination round.
Nonetheless, Tenorio said Magnolia's task ahead would always be tall, irrespective of the opponent.
“Looking at the other group, kahit sino naman makalaban mo doon, it’s the same quality of basketball games that you are going to see in the playoffs, especially in a best-of-five series," he said of Group A which also includes NLEX, San Miguel, and Converge.
“Of course, TNT, they have, kumbaga, extra sauce kasi they are a very seasoned team, very well-coached. Going into this quarterfinals, we just have to be ready and we have to be up to the challenge."
Boost for Magnolia
A key component for the Hotshots' chances of moving forward is Zavier Lucero, who leads all locals in points, rebounds, and blocks. He rested against the Elasto Painters after a sprained ankle in practice, but is expected to be good to go for the playoffs.
“The coaches said in the huddle in the locker room, they said we are the underdogs coming into this series,” he said.
READ: Magnolia hopeful Zavier Lucero will be fit in time for playoffs
Lucero and his teammates will look for a different ending this time around after Magnolia’s previous ouster in the quarters at the hands of TNT - coming in the Philippine Cup this and last season.
“Obviously, we understand the task ahead, but we welcome it. We’ve had them the past couple of times and hopefully, history won’t repeat itself this time and we will be ready,” he said.
“I haven’t been out of the quarterfinals since I’ve been in the PBA. That’s motivation enough that they’ve had our number the past couple times we played them.”
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