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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Young blood injects energy to spotless Magnolia

Young blood injects energy to spotless Magnolia

Published Apr 19, 2025 07:11 am

At A Glance

  • Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero is crediting Magnolia's resurgence to the young bloods providing perfect complement to the team's seasoned veterans.

Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero is crediting Magnolia’s resurgence to the young bloods providing perfect complement to the team’s seasoned veterans.

And that was exactly the scene in the Hotshots’ 98-97 victory over the San Miguel Beermen when Magnolia relied on young turks like Jerom Lastimosa, Peter Alfaro and Zavier Lucero to carry it back into the game while veterans Paul Lee, Mark Barroca and Ian Sangalang put on the finishing touches in overtime.

Zavier Lucero.jpg
Zavier Lucero. (PBA Images)

“The combination of the veteran and the youth is a big factor for us,” said head coach Chito Victolero.

“I told you before that these guys, Zavier, Jerome, Aris, and Peter will be a big factor for us for this conference to support our veterans,” he added.

Lucero has been a revelation through three games so far for the Hotshots with 24 points and seven rebounds while Lastimosa added 21 points.

Lastimosa’s play allowed Victolero to keep the veterans fresh for the end game with Barroca delivering two clutch hits in the waning minutes of the extra period.

“Xavier will be very consistent. Jerome is very consistent. Down the stretch, we need big shots of Paul and big shots of Mark. So, it's all about the team effort,” explained Victolero.

Magnolia actually trailed by double-digits early on but found a shot in the arm behind the impressive play off the bench.

“We're down by double digits in the third quarter. I told them to not quit. Just try to wait for our run,” he recalled.

“Good thing, our bench players, or reserve namin, second group namin, delivers the energy and aggressiveness. And I think yun lang yung puhunan namin,  hard work and determination.”

Related Tags

Magnolia Hotshots chito victolero PBA Philippine Cup
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