Magnolia fulfilled the birthday wish of team manager Alvin Patrimonio, who feels the Hotshots are ripe for another championship run in the Philippine Basketball Association.
Just hours before tipoff, Patromonio revealed his simple wish: A win against NorthPort.
And that’s exactly what Magnolia did — win its third straight game–at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Other than the 112-74 victory over the Batang Pier, Patrimonio, now 57, would like to see his team go all the way.
Last time the squad won a title was during the 2018 Governors’ Cup and Patrimonio, the franchise’s best player ever, believes the current roster has what it takes to get the job done.
Magnolia is one team that could end up bagging the Commissioner’s Cup given its utmost readiness.
The team swept the preseason PBA On Tour.
And the acquisition of a reliable import seems to be driving Magnolia toward the top.
“I think our import is a good fit for us. He’s young, athletic and plays with a lot of energy,” Patrimonio said, referring to Tyler Bey, who averaged 31.5 points and 18 rebounds in his first two games.
Against NorthPort, Bey didn’t disappoint as he shot 25 points and hauled down eight rebounds.
Patrimonio thinks the team’s hunger is also starting to kick in.
