By REYNALD MAGALLON
Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero is seeing their PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals showdown against San Miguel Beer going the distance but conceded that the import match up will have a huge impact on the outcome of the best-of-seven series.
Victolero said how the Hotshots fare against the Beermen will largely depend on how his import Tyler Bey could match up against the high-scoring Bennie Boatwright.
“I think it goes to Game 7,” said Victolero. “The big factor is the imports. If Bennie dominates us then we don’t have any chance but if Tyler challenges Bennie on everything I think we’ll have a good chance,” he added.
San Miguel Beer has been on a tear heading into the Finals, winning its last nine games including a 3-0 sweep of defending champion Barangay Ginebra in the semifinals. Boatwright was in the middle of that onslaught averaging a double-double of 37.2 points and 11.8 rebounds.
Bey, on the other hand, is lording over 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds while playing all of Magnolia’s games leading into Finals series.
“This is an import-laden conference so the imports are a big factor in the games. I hope it boils down to Game 7 so the fans will enjoy the series,” added the veteran mentor who is looking for his second PBA title.
However, Magnolia seemed to be at a disadvantage should the series go longer as the Hotshots had barely taken any rest since needing four games to dispatch the Phoenix in the semifinals.
Victolero was far from concerned about the fatigue but rather on how much preparation they can have in devising a plan to stop the deep and mighty San Miguel which has the benefit of a six-day rest.
“We’re used to that. It’s all about the mindset pag sinabi naman ng minds natin na pagod, iyon yung lalabas sa atin so might as well earn to play every other day,” said Victolero.
“We experienced that before and I think the only disadvantage is yung preparation namin but in terms of condition I think these players are professionals and we’ll be ready for tomorrow,” he added.
