Hotshots out to end drought

Governors Cup Finals

MANILA, Philippines — Six days before Christmas, the Magnolia Hotshots seek to put the wraps on what could be the best gift they could have as they go for the kill versus the beleaguered Alaska Milk Aces in Game Six of the PBA Governors Cup Finals at the Ynares Sports Center tonight.

“We’re positive. We believe we’ve done the proper preparation to go for it,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero on their bid to close out the series and end a search for a first crown in four years.

“Our guys have the proper mindset, are motivated and have really prepared the best we can. It will now come down to execution,” added Victolero, now in line to become a champion coach on his second season as bench chieftain in the Purefoods/SMFood franchise.

Game time is at 7 p.m. with the Aces also raring to come out to press harder and push harder in their hope to force a winner-take-all setto.

Their spirit and resolve have not waned as they barely lost Game Five on a big break that went Magnolia’s side in the closing seconds. Paul Lee was in the right place at the right time to grab the loose ball and drain the game-winner in their nerve-wracking 79-78 win Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Going to Game Six, Alaska coach Alex Compton is optimistic it’s still anybody’s series.

In preparation for their first crack to end the series, the Hotshots took a rest Saturday, had a light workout Sunday, practiced hard Monday and had another light practice yesterday.

“It’s about execution now. We don’t expect much adjustment from both sides since nagkatalo lang last game by one basket,” said Victolero.

If the Hotshots prevail, Magnolia will tie Alaska Milk at second behind San Miguel Beer as winningest ball clubs in the league.

Magnolia is currently one title behind Alaska with its haul of 13 championships – the last capping a grand slam run under coach Tim Cone in 2014.

But both sides don’t expect their duel to get easier.

“These two teams can’t play any harder,” said Compton of their showdown that has turned to be a war of attrition.

The Hotshots took the first two games at 100-94 and 77-71 before the Aces got even in winning the next two matches at 100-71 and 90-76.

Game Five was in the balance until Mike Harris missed a fade-away off Romeo Travis at the buzzer.

“They beat us to loose balls and got the ball,” said Compton on a series of breaks that went Magnolia’s side.