Magnolia Hotshots import import Ricardo Ratliffe in opposition to NLEX Highway Warriors’ import Mike Watkins within the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –PBA IMAGES
There was a surreal feeling on Friday night time as Magnolia lastly snapped out of an alarming begin within the PBA Commissioner’s Cup—however solely after two key gamers ended up getting harm.
A freak accident earlier than tipoff made Paul Lee a late scratch, whereas Mark Barroca needed to catch his breath for a couple of minutes after getting harm throughout a collision with Calvin Abueva within the waning seconds of the Hotshots’ 99-95 time beyond regulation victory over the NLEX Highway Warriors at Philsports Enviornment in Pasig Metropolis.
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“We have now plenty of accidents,” coach Chito Victolero stated when informed that Barroca was in a position to rise up nearly on his personal. “There’s no excuses, however hopefully we’re full earlier than the Ginebra recreation.”
That recreation can be on Christmas Day, when followers can be handled to the renewal of the so-called “Manila Clasico” sibling rivalry, which is a must-win for Magnolia after its victory to open the midseason convention was adopted by 4 consecutive losses previous to the NLEX tussle.
All 4 defeats got here by a mean margin of two.7 factors, with two of these coming regardless of holding double-digit leads in opposition to Converge and Rain or Shine.
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“I [talked to] the gamers and [said sorry] to them [but we needed] to have a playoff-like mentality due to the urgency to be on the subsequent degree … which they confirmed [against NLEX],” Victolero stated.
It appeared like issues couldn’t worsen for the embattled Hotshots, when Lee discovered himself lacking the matchup with the Highway Warriors when a metallic railing fell on his face whereas he was mendacity on the ground.
“It’s actually a freak accident,” stated Lee, who added that he was feeling dizzy for many of his time watching the group from the bench. “I used to be simply there warming up and the barrier fell on my face.”
5-point play
Lee’s absence, happily for Magnolia, didn’t hamper the group’s bid to snap its dropping spell. The Hotshots rode on import Ricardo Ratliffe’s 38 factors and 19 rebounds, already massive numbers that appeared larger given the truth that he performed by a proper shoulder damage.
Zavier Lucero, who himself missed one recreation throughout one of many losses, was additionally key within the further session on each ends, as Magnolia weathered a decided NLEX facet that even took a lead within the essential moments by way of the league’s first-ever five-point play courtesy of Robert Bolick.
However Bolick missed a determined 4 from midcourt whereas Robbie Herndon didn’t make a hurried shot close to the second arc earlier than time expired, which was when Barroca was seen on the bottom holding his rib.
Barroca may solely snicker on the matter upon rising from the dugout, even answering questions from teammate Russel Escoto, who playfully acted as if he was a member of the fourth property.
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“It felt like I blacked out,” stated Barroca.
