Magnolia doesn’t mind being labeled as underdog once the quarterfinals of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) unwraps on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Hotshots coach Chito Victolero believes that they are in a perfect position to pull off an earthshaking upset despite being ranked No. 8 with a twice-to-win disadvantage in the quarterfinals.

Magnolia had a rollercoaster campaign after finishing the elimination round tied with NLEX with a 6-6 win-loss record. But they beat the Road Warriors in a sudden-death playoff, 112-81, late Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City to gain the right to face top ranked NorthPort in the quarterfinals.

“Yes, we’re the underdogs because we’re down the series by one and zero right now. We’re are in a do-or-die situation again but I like our chances,” Victolero said, sounding confident over their playoff chances.

“We just try to watch the field and we’ll see what preparations we can do. Hopefully, we can battle the No. 1 team and give them a good fight.”

Ricardo Ratliffe had 32 points and 14 rebounds for Magnolia, which is oozing with confidence after winning its last four games.

Zav Lucero also joined the scoring party with 14 points while Ian Sangalang and Rome Dela Rosa dropped 13 points each.

Victolero, however, expressed concern over their health status as they will be playing a healthy Batang Pier squad, which beat them, 107-103, in their previous meeting last 4 December.

“I think this is the second or third game that we’re fully healthy, all of my players. So that’s why I’m very confident that although we’re always in a do-or-die situation, we can battle every time, every game,” Victolero said.

For Ratliffe, he can’t wait to square off once again against NorthPort import Kadeem Jack to punch a ticket to the finals.

“I know last time we played them it was the first time I played after my injury so I couldn’t really give it my best effort but this round, I’m at a hundred percent so I’m looking forward to that rematch,” Ratliffe said.

“For them to have faith in me, especially coach, a lot of rumors going around that I would go home. But coach assured me that I was here for them the whole season.”

“He trusts me and I trust him.”