Mark Barroca on Magnolia’s title drive: ‘Babalik kami sa Game 6’

Similar to losing the first two games of the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, Magnolia finds itself in a precarious position once again.

Although they are not trailing by two games, their situation is even more dire this time around as San Miguel has the opportunity to close out the series and secure the championship after their victory last Sunday.

Despite this challenging scenario, Mark Barroca remains optimistic about their chances. He acknowledged that they had encountered similar situations earlier in the series.

“Kami naman, positive lang kami kasi nga galing na kaming 0-2,” said Barroca.

Barroca attributed their struggle to contain the scorching hot Beermen, particularly Jericho Cruz who made eight three-pointers.

“Ganun naman ‘pag series, may players na pumutok, sobrang laki nung bagay na ganun [para sa kanila],” he said, while pointing out the exact opposite that hounded him.

“Sobrang struggle, lalo na sa opensa. Pero ‘di naman ‘to all about sa ‘kin,” said Barroca. “Maganda rin naman nilaro ng mga kasama ko. Maganda ‘yung nilalaro nila, so nag-deliver lang din ako na depensa kasi ‘di naman all about sa akin lang.”

In spite of these difficulties, the Hotshots managed to narrow the lead to within two possessions in the final minutes of the game. Notably, Tyler Bey, Jio Jalalon, Ian Sangalang, and Paul Lee made significant offensive contributions for Magnolia.

Although facing potential elimination with an impending defeat, Barroca maintains a positive outlook. The crucial game is scheduled for tonight at 7:30 pm at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Dalawang panalo na lang ‘yun, so adjust lang kami. Mahirap nga ‘yung 0-2 eh, ano pa ‘yung 3-2? So ayun, positive pa ‘rin kami. Babalik kami sa Game 6.”

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