Magnolia Faces Must-Win Clash Against Meralco to Stay Alive
Magnolia Hotshots are in a do-or-die battle as they face Meralco Bolts in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at PhilSports Arena. The outcome of this game will determine whether Magnolia keeps its playoff hopes alive or faces an early exit.
Meralco’s No-Bearing Game
Meralco (7-4) is already locked into the No. 5 seed and a best-of-three quarterfinal matchup against Barangay Ginebra. While the game has no bearing on their standings, coach Luigi Trillo still sees it as an opportunity to prepare for the playoffs.
However, Meralco may be missing import Akil Mitchell, who sat out their last game due to back spasms and remains questionable.
Magnolia’s High-Stakes Situation
For Magnolia, this game is crucial. A loss would mark their first elimination before the quarterfinals since the 2016 Governors’ Cup. A win, however, would give them a 6-6 record, forcing a playoff tiebreaker against NLEX for the final quarterfinals spot.
If Rain or Shine (6-5) also loses to TNT, it could lead to a three-way tie, in which case NLEX would secure the No. 7 seed, leaving Magnolia and Rain or Shine to fight for the final spot.
Should Rain or Shine win, Magnolia and NLEX would battle for the last quarterfinals berth.
Magnolia’s Game Plan
Coach Chito Victolero emphasizes that his team is prepared for a defensive battle. Magnolia is coming off a dominant 107-78 victory over Eastern and plans to bring the same intensity against Meralco.
Meralco coach Luigi Trillo acknowledges the challenge, noting that Magnolia is a tough opponent when their backs are against the wall. He expects a physical game but hopes his team can use it as preparation for the playoffs.
Magnolia must win to keep their playoff chances alive, while Meralco looks to fine-tune their game before the quarterfinals. With high stakes and a physical battle expected, this matchup promises to be intense.
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