MAGNOLIA tries to jack up its stock in the Top 4 while Blackwater seeks to end its four-game slump as they collide in a crucial tiff in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium Wednesday.
The Hotshots, the Commissioner's Cup runners-up, have recovered from back-to-back losses, punching successive wins over the NorthPort Batang Pier and the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters to climb back to good position in the fight for the Top 2 at 3-2.
And with their hot drive, Mark Barroca and his teammates are the odds-on pick versus the Blackwater side (3-4) that has tumbled outside the Magic 8 after four straight defeats.
But Magnolia coach Chito Victolero is not about to leave anything to chance, saying their mindset is to be ready for war in every single game.
"Hindi mo ma-predict ang PBA games ngayon. If you're not prepared, even the elite teams for that matter, hindi nakakasiguro ng panalo," said Victolero.
Sponsored content:
"That's why you have to be in proper mindset. As for us, we compete every single day in practice in the hope na madala namin yan sa actual game," added Victolero, bracing for battle versus the Bossing in their 7:30 p.m. tussle.
Barroca is determined to lead the Hotshots in the battle, though, still nursing a hand injury.
"Kailangan lang walang hesitation, basta may opportunity, you take it," said Barroca, coming from a career-high-tying 27-point sizzler in their 107-93 win over the Fuel Masters Sunday.
They feel Blackwater is a dangerous foe, coming from four losses after a 3-0 conference start.
But coach Jeff Cariaso and his troops must really be aching get back into the groove. As it is, they have a lot of catching up to do.
Sponsored content:
From a promising start, the Bossing went on a skid with losses to the NLEX Road Warriors (103-97), the Terrafirma Dyip (92-91), the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (110-103) and the Barangay Ginebra Kings (105-86).
They hope to end the slump and gain a good finish in their last four games against Magnolia, NorthPort, San Miguel Beer and Phoenix.
