Magnolia knows too well not to let its guard down despite a guaranteed twice-to-beat advantage in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup playoffs.
Now in a good position to end a five-year championship drought, the Hotshots are not taking any chances in the quarterfinals this time.
Veteran guard Mark Barroca, based on experience, knows that Magnolia can’t afford to be complacent.
The franchise which was then carrying the B-Meg banner squandered a quarterfinal twice-to-beat advantage over the eighth seed Powerade back in the 2011-2012 Philippine Cup.
“I was able to experience such,” Barroca said.
“That’s why when it comes to the playoffs, even a twice-to-beat advantage is not a safe advantage.”
The Hotshots are awaiting their quarterfinals foe which could either be Rain or Shine and TNT.
As of press time, both the Elasto Painters and the Tropang Giga carry the same 4-5 win-loss record and share seventh to eighth places.
“Rain or Shine defeated us in the elimination round while TNT defeated us in the finals two years ago. Both teams are capable of beating us,” Barroca said.
“I don’t see any advantage there, except that teams should need to beat us twice. But once you lose the first game, the advantage will be gone and momentum will be on the other team,” he added.
With the current Magnolia veteran-laden core not getting any younger, Barroca believes this is the team’s best chance of finally barging back into the PBA throne.
“We don’t know how long this core is going to be together, but this core is not getting any younger, so if we want to win the championship, we need to win now,” he said.
