Magnolia Pambansang Manok coach Chito Victolero acknowledged that the loss of Meralco’s Raymond Almazan and Cliff Hodge had an effect in getting a 2-0 lead in their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series.

The Hotshots managed to pull away after the Bolts lost Almazan to a sprained left ankle and Hodge because of accumulated infractions and secured a 92-78 victory in Game 2 Wednesday, Oct. 6 at the Don Honorio Ventura State University in Bacolor, Pampanga.

“It’s a big factor. They are key players and it’s a break para sa amin,” Victolero said.

Almazan got hurt when he stepped on Ian Sangalang’s foot while battling for a rebound during the third quarter. His status is still unknown for Game 3 with Meralco desperately needing a win to keep a strong chance of winning the series.

Hodge, on the other hand, was ejected with 1:22 left in the third when he appeared to have kicked Calvin Abueva in the face while the two fell to the floor.

The Meralco energy guy was given a Flagrant Foul Penalty 1 and was sent to the showers after being whistled for a technical foul earlier in the game.

His loss turned the tide in the favor of Magnolia, which capitalized on not having Meralco’s main frontcourt players.

Victolero, however, stressed that there was no reason to be in a comfort zone despite the advantage.

“Of course, hindi naman kami dun naka-focus. Alam namin na kahit sino sa Meralco can step up e,” he said. “So nandun si Raymond or si Hodge, malaking bagay. Pero kung wala sila, we will not relax. Hindi kami pwedeng mag-relax.

“We'll try to push hard, as long as meron kaming limang kalaban doon. Yun ang usapan namin e, from start to finish. We learned from our experience before,” added Victolero.