Red-hot Magnolia tries to secure an automatic spot in the Top Four while Meralco fights for dear life as they clash in a key match in the PBA Governors Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo Friday.
"Gusto namin makasiguro na sa Top Four, and our defense and execution would be vital in this game," said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.
"We need to have the desire and the effort. We need to surpass or at least match the will to win of Meralco. We have to be mentally tough and physically ready," added Victolero, expecting the Bolts to go all out in a bid to stay in playoff contention.
"We are trying to stay alive and so every game for us is crucial," said Meralco coach Norman Black for their part.
"We are playing the number one team so that makes the task even tougher. We must match their defensive intensity to come out on top," he added.
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Tip off is at 7 p.m. with the Hotshots eyeing a sixth straight win that will guarantee them of a twice-to-beat bonus in the quarterfinals.
At 7-1, the Hotshots have three cracks at securing a Top Four finish versus the Bolts, the TNT KaTropa Texters and the Barangay Ginebra Kings.
"We'll try to win as many games we can, and we would be happy kung saan man kami matapos," said Victolero.
At 2-6, the Bolts, meanwhile, have no other option but to win all their last three games to have a shot at the Top Eight.
They face an uphill climb versus Magnolia, Rain or Shine and San Miguel Beer.
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The Bolts kept their flickering hopes on a stirring come-from-behind 108-105 win over the NLEX Road Warriors that snapped their six-game slump Sunday.
"We struggled throughout the game and we struggled a lot since our comeback from Thailand (FIBA Asia Champions Cup). Our defense isn't to the point now. But our players fought to the very end in this game," said Black.
He expects the same from his troops in all their remaining games. (SB)
