MAGNOLIA tries to solidify its hold on the leadwhen it tangles with Terrafirma today in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Finally plunging back into action is TNT, which collides with Rain or Shine, while Ginebra and NorthPort square off in the nightcap, each eager to snap out of their tie at 1-2.
Magnolia is eyeing its fourth victory in as many games against a Terrafirma crew aching to crash the win-column after two failed tries.
Coach Chito Victolero said this is not time for the Hotshots to relax since they have set their sights on emerging from the 11-game eliminations as one of the top two teams that will be rewarded with a win-once advantage in the next round.
“Maganda start namin pero hindi ito ‘yung tinitingnan naming journey namin, ‘yung gusto naming marating. Maganda iyung start, yes. But we will be humble and kailangan pa rin naming magtrabaho kasi maaga pa,” Victolero said after his team’s 89-79 win over Ginebra last Sunday.
“One game at a time, prepare for next game,” added the former Coach of the Year awardee. “Medyo mahirap, marami pang puwedeng mangyari. Hindi kami puwedeng mag-relax. We have an ultimate goal. We will try to find ways on how to prepare hard and how to win.”
At first glance, TNT should be favored over Rain or Shine since the Elasto Painters are coming off a game against just Alaska last Wednesday. But Tropang Giga coach Chot Reyes is not so sure about that.
“We’re excited but so unprepared because we still haven’t had a complete practice,” said Reyes. “So tomorrow will be a match between a rusty team (us) and a team itching to bounce back from a bad game.”
The Tropa got off to a good start under the comebacking coach by beating Terrafirma 86-79 last July 17. But the results of the mandatory league testing following that win showed four TNT players testing positive for the COVID virus.
