MAGNOLIA faces NorthPort in a crucial match that has serious playoff implications as action in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup continues on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.
The Hotshots (4-4) are currently at fourth spot in the standings, while the Batang Pier have lost their last two games and carry a 3-5 record heading to their 7:30 p.m. match.
NLEX (3-5) is also out to arrest a four-game slide in an effort to resuscitate its sagging playoff hopes when it tangles with Phoenix (1-8) at 5 p.m.
CRITICAL GAME Calvin Abueva (left) of Magnolia challenges the shot attempt by John Amores of NorthPort the first time the two teams met in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup on Sept. 4, 2024. The Hotshots won over the Batang Pier, who played without an import in that game. PBA PHOTO
The Hotshots are coming off a tough 84-82 defeat against the streaking TNT Tropang Giga (7-1).
Blowing hot and cold for much of the conference, coach Chito Victolero’s charges will have to get their acts together in order to rejuvenate their drive for the playoffs.
Veteran guard Mark Barroca is expected to play with a face mask on since getting elbowed accidentally on the nose by TNT’s Kelly Williams the last time out.
Barroca left the game for good with a bleeding nose, but being the tough guard that he is, and considering the seriousness of the game, the crack Magnolia playmaker is expected to see action against NorthPort.
As of press time, NorthPort’s import remains uncertain with Venky Jois out due to a partially torn Achilles he sustained during their loss to Meralco.
If ever, the Batang Pier will have to play all-Filipino against the Hotshots.
Should that happen, coach Bonnie Tan will have to get the best out of Arvin Tolentino, William Navarro and Cade Flores as NorthPort fights for playoff survival.
Magnolia had a tough time dusting off NorthPort despite playing without Jois and Navarro during their first meeting on September 4.
The Aussie import and Navarro failed to play in that game after sustaining ankle injuries.
NorthPort managed to put up a solid fight, before Magnolia made a searing fourth run behind former Batang Pier big man Zavier Lucero’s 16 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Hotshots to a 105-94 triumph.
Meanwhile, the Road Warriors, currently tied with the Blackwater Bossing at joint fourth spot with their 3-5 record, will go all out in their effort to arrest a four-game skid.
Dequan Jones had a solid PBA debut against Rain or Shine, firing 48 points and 11 rebounds, but his efforts went for naught as the Road Warriors fell, 123-114 in overtime.
The Fuel Masters may be out of the playoff picture, but they intend to end the conference with a bang and act the role of spoilers.
Phoenix, which only has one win to show, courtesy of a 119-114 win over Blackwater last Sunday, is coming off a 112-96 loss to Ginebra.