The liveliest team in the PBA bubble

SMART CLARK GIGA CITY: Magnolia has its own “crowd” within the PBA bubble and it is none other than its bustling bank.

In every game, all the second stringers, coaches and even staff members do their best to cheer on their men on the court.

Probably the loudest at the AUF Sports Arena, the Hotshots on the bench yell “defense”, hit the chairs with empty bottles, interrupt the opposing team’s ball handler with annoying sounds, and most of all, display their distinctive crowd wave by every free throw taken.

“I really put my hands up on our bench. I mean, they are trying to enjoy the bubble. Alvin Abundo, Aris (Dionisio), Kyle Pascual, even the coaches (are) enjoying themselves on the bench. Really a family, ”said coach Chito Victolero.

On Wednesday night, the Magnolia bench kept Paul Lee and company energized after seeing their 18-point lead over TNT narrow to just one, 82-81, midway through the fourth quarter.

Lee, Chris Banchero and Ian Sangalang combined forces to ward off the Hotshots en route to a 102-92 win against the league-leading Tropang Giga for their first consecutive wins and a 3-4 scoreboard.

Victolero said the bench’s participation is a “testament to our chemistry.”

“They have been together for a long time. Look them in the eye, they just know it, ”said the 44-year-old mentor.

Victolero added that his players appreciate the company of others even off the court in this historic bubble season. The former champion coach has no plans to spoil the Hotshots party.

After all, they are currently on a roll. “They know how to enjoy this bubble. I just let it go. We are happy. “

“’That’s what I always say. Let’s enjoy. Whatever happens, wherever we go here, we’re just trying to enjoy what happened today. It’s a (part of) the history of the PBA. “