Magnolia's Zav Lucero in action against Meralco in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Jan. 31, 2025 at the PhilSports Arena. PBA Images
MANILA -- Mired in a do-or-die situation since stumbling to a 3-6 start in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup, Magnolia has leaned on players like Zav Lucero to turn their fortunes around.
A four-game winning streak spurred the Hotshots to the playoffs, where they will now play against top-seeded NorthPort in a bid to further extend their campaign.
They showed their grit in their last two assignments, beating Meralco 129-92 to force a playoff against NLEX for the eighth spot at the end of the elimination round. A 112-81 demolition of the Road Warriors on Sunday clinched the Hotshots' spot in the quarterfinals.
Lucero has been a spark for Magnolia in their turnaround, as the former University of the Philippines standout averaged 18 points on 59% shooting on top of 4.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists to help his team stay alive.
READ: Magnolia comes alive in 2nd half vs. NLEX, sets up q’finals bout with NorthPort
He earned PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week for his efforts, but Lucero was quick to deflect the credit.
"It would have been all right if I had zero points because we're playing as a team. I think it's whenever us as a team play with each other and through each other, that's when we play our best. So it's good that we're playing that way right now," he said.
Magnolia remains in survival mode, as they face a twice-to-win disadvantage against the Batang Pier. However, their recent form gives Lucero plenty of confidence, even as they are up against his former team.
"It's the next team that we have to win against to be able to move on," said Lucero, whom Magnolia acquired from NorthPort last year in exchange for Jio Jalalon and Abu Tratter.
"We've been in four do-or-die (games); it's two more do-or-dies to get to the next round and they're the next team. So we have to prepare the right way and I'm confident we'll be able to get the job done as long as we continue to play how we play (lately)," he added.
Lucero was adjudged best for the period Jan. 29 to Feb. 2 over other candidates like Rain or Shine's Anton Asistio and Magnolia teammate Ian Sangalang.