Chito Victolero lauds young guns as Magnolia fights for playoffs

Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero couldn't be happier that his team has finally fielded a healthy roster as they look to make a final push to reach the playoffs.

But the longtime tactician said he was more than satisfied to see everyone, especially the young guns, to step up amid their difficult situation in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.

"[We are] having the confidence to go to war with a complete lineup now. I think this is the first time that we’re complete, we’re all healthy because in the first five games, our import was injured and then after that Paul Lee was in and out of the lineup then most of the players may mga nararamdaman," Victolero said.

"But now I’m very confident since this is the first time na complete kami with a healthy lineup."

Victolero liked what he saw when the likes of rookies Jerom Lastimosa and Peter Alfaro as well as sophomore Zav Lucero stepped up big time against higher-ranked Eastern during their clash on Sunday.

With Lee still not reaching his top form and Barroca sitting out most of the second half after hurting his eye, the rookie backcourt tandem of Lastimosa and Alfaro provided quality minutes while Lucero proved to be a threat in offense.

Both Lastimosa and Lucero finished with 20 points each while Alfaro chipped in four markers and two rebounds in a starter role.

"We need the young guns, not just the veterans, because ayun nga, it’s a collective effort from everyone," Victolero added.

"I told them it’s not one or two or three players who need to step up for this game but everyone, including our utility guys. We need everyone from the team."

Magnolia will need more than this when they take on Meralco this Friday in another do-or-die game. And they expect nothing but a war.

"Sabi ko sa kanila, let’s give it a try, let’s give our best effort. We need  to prepare well for our last game, which is Meralco. We know na it’s a war."

—JMB, GMA Integrated News