Extra-cautious Hotshots brace for Kings' never-say-die spirit

Renough how crucial Game 3 would be, knowing fully well that to give Ginebra the opening to stay alive and keep on fighting could spell trouble.

"It's of utmost importance," said Travis. "That team is amazing, that's a great team, perennial champions. You don't wanna keep playing them.

"You don't wanna keep giving them opportunities so this is the most important game of the year for us. That's just what we wanna do, you don't wanna give this team chances."

Magnolia already had a big scare in Game 2 last Monday, when Ginebra came charging back from a 12point fourth quarter deficit and threaten within two, going to the game's last 24 seconds.

Good thing for the Hotshots the Kings were unable to bring home the fightback, while Paul Lee and Travis sealed the deal from the stripe.

One thing that went for Magnolia is the ejection, due to successive technical fouls, of Ginebra coach Tim Cone with still 9:18 left in the game. Cone refused to talk to the media after the game, but chief deputy Richard del Rosario said the reigning back-to-back champions will not just shot up for the game.

"We still have faith in our players and the character of the team because of past experiences," said Del Rosario. "We will be okay."

That is what Victolero is wary of as he prepares for whatever tinkering Ginebra may do to free up Justin Brownlee more from Rome dela Rosa's defense and keep Travis and Lee from taking over.

"Sa ngayon di ko pa alam kung ano magiging adjustment," said Victolero.

"Sa ngayon, pahinga players so we can have the energy on Wednesday. Walkthrough lang bukas (Tuesday) pero ang importante iyung mental preparation." (NC) -