Star ready to accept destiny

MANILA, Philippines -  With two games left in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup schedule, Star coach Chito Victolero said yesterday he’s ready to accept whatever is the Hotshots fate because depending on the results of the doubleheader in today’s last playdate of the eliminations, the team could finish No. 1, No. 2 or No. 3.

At the moment, Star is No. 1 with a 9-2 record. But if San Miguel Beer beats GlobalPort and Barangay Ginebra downs Mahindra tonight, there will be a triple tie for first and the Hotshots will drop down to No. 3 because of the quotient system. Under PBA rules, only the quotient system will be used to break ties for No. 2. 

“Our goal is to end up No. 1 or No. 2 so we can get a twice-to-beat advantage in the first round of the playoffs,” said Victolero. “That will happen if either San Miguel or Ginebra loses or both lose. But as I told the guys, no matter what, whether we play with a twice-to-beat advantage or in a best-of-three series, the key is we’ve got to be ready to work hard because it’s the playoffs. We’re not in control of the situation.”

If both San Miguel and Ginebra lose, Star will remain No. 1. If they win, Star will drop to No. 3. If one wins and the other loses, Star will end up No. 2. Rain Or Shine will be Star’s opponent in the first round if San Miguel loses and Ginebra wins or if both San Miguel and Ginebra win. The match-up will be interesting as the Elasto Painters and the Hotshots figured in a pre-season trade involving Paul Lee and James Yap.

“The PBA used to do playoffs for No. 2 and No. 8 but in the last several conferences, wala ng playoff for No. 2,” said Victolero. “I think it’s to make sure every team goes all out in the eliminations because the quotient could make a difference. As far our team is concerned, the important game was Alaska last Wednesday. We had to win it for the chance to finish in the top two.”