Oct 15, 2019

Blackwater picks Blakely over Fuller, Travis game-time decision for Magnolia

For Magnolia Pambansang Manok, Romeo Travis is game-time decision.

For Blackwater, it's Marqus Blakely once again, taking over from one-game sub Aaron Fuller.

But it's surely not just about the imports as the Hotshots and the Elite mix it up in a crucial match in the PBA Governors Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo Wednesday.

"We'll decide on Travis before the game. Baka naman makuha sa therapy at gamot. But with or without him, we'll come out and play hard to win this game. It's an important game. Kailangan namin manalo to stay among those in the middle of the pack," said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.

Suffering an ankle sprain in their last game against the San Miguel Beermen Friday, Travis has since been spared of hard activity in practice.

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The good news for the Hotshots is Paul Lee is okay after a crash on the floor also last Friday causing him to lose two teeth.

"Ipinaayos niya agad at nakabalik na rin siya agad sa ensayo," said Victolero.

Edged by the Beermen, 89-90, in the pulsating contest, the Hotshots dropped to joint fourth with the Meralco Bolts and the Columbian Dyip at 3-2.

They need to recover right away and regain winning ways if they're to still contend for the Top Two and the twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.

Blackwater, meanwhile, is at 1-3, losing its last game against Columbian where the Elite fielded in Fuller.

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Blakely will be back in harness curiously against the very team that he led to back-to-back championships in this tourney in 2013 and 2014.

He was put on the injured list after leading the Elite to their first win in three games. He had good all-around numbers of 13 points, 14 rebounds, eight blocks and seven assists as Blackwater walloped NorthPort, 107-98. (SB)