Magnolia hopeful of comeback

Magnolia is in the bottom half of the 13-team standings in the PBA Commissioner's Cup with a lowly 2-5 record but its average losing margin of 2.8 points is a clear indication that the Hotshots are far from being out of contention.

- By JOAQUIN M. HENSON

Five games remain in Magnolia's schedule and coach Chito Victolero is optimistic of an upturn of fortunes.

Still in the Hotshots' order of battle are Terrafirma on Jan. 10, San Miguel Beer on Jan. 12, Phoenix on Jan. 16, Eastern on Jan. 26 and Meralco on Jan. 31. Magnolia's losses could've easily gone the other way, losing to Converge by two, NorthPort by four, TNT by three, Rain or Shine by two and Barangay Ginebra by three. Consistency has been a problem as the Hotshots are finding it difficult to close out tight games with a bang. Against Converge, Magnolia was outscored 26-16 in the fourth period. Against NorthPort, the Hotshots were also outscored in the payoff quarter, 25-20 and trounced in fastbreak points, 22-6. Against TNT, Magnolia was outshot from the perimeter by 17. Against Rain or Shine, the Hotshots blew an 11-point lead in the fourth period and were blanked 13-0 in the last four minutes. Against Ginebra, Magnolia sat on a 22-point cushion in the third period, was outscored, 28-14 in the last quarter and lost on a triple by Scottie Thompson at the buzzer.