Lucero sees beyond Manila Clasico hype

Zaver Lucero says the Hotshots will need to rise to the challenge against the Gin Kings. —PBA IMAGES

Magnolia forward Zavier Lucero knows Sunday’s showdown against Barangay Ginebra carries all the hype of another chapter in the storied “Manila Clasico” rivalry.

For him, though, it’s simply another game the Hotshots cannot afford to lose.

“It’s just another game. Well, it’s not really just another game; but right now we can’t afford to take anyone too lightly or too heavily,” Lucero told the Inquirer after Magnolia’s 98-97 loss to Rain or Shine at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday night. “We have to treat every game as really important because they are.”

“It could’ve been anyone, but it just so happens to be Ginebra,” he added. “There’ll be a crowd, there’ll be distractions and whatnot, but we’re going to go out there, do our jobs and come away with the win.”

Lucero’s businesslike approach stems largely from Magnolia’s precarious position in Group B.

The Hotshots are tied with Blackwater for fourth place at 2-3, while the Gin Kings sit alone in third at 2-2 behind Phoenix (4-1) and Rain or Shine (3-2).

Rather than embrace all the attention, spotlight and emotion surrounding one of the PBA’s fiercest rivalries, the former University of the Philippines standout is treating Sunday as another crucial step in Magnolia’s push for a playoff berth.

“We’re down in the standings. We need to have a sense of urgency,” Lucero said.

“People tend to play up a game against Ginebra because they’re the most popular team. It’s already going to be amped up, so we have to focus on approaching that game the same way we approach every other game.”

The latest Manila Clasico tips off at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum after Rain or Shine takes on struggling Meralco at 5:15 p.m. INQ