Focused on the Finish Line, Not Just the Perfect Start Despite an undefeated run in the early stretch of the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup, the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots are not letting complacency seep into their camp. Head coach Chito Victolero emphasized that their eyes remain locked on the bigger picture—winning the championship. “At the end of the day, it’s how you finish the conference. Hopefully, panalo ka sa very last game of the season. Iyun ‘yung ultimate goal namin,” said Victolero ahead of Magnolia’s matchup with Terrafirma. With a 4-0 record before facing the Dyip, Magnolia had a chance…
Author: x410
The NLEX Road Warriors are off to a promising start in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup, notching consecutive victories against teams just getting their bearings. But as they prepare to face the rejuvenated Blackwater Bossing in the league’s first-ever game at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal, head coach Jong Uichico knows a sterner challenge awaits. A Fortunate Start? NLEX’s current 2-1 record includes wins over Rain or Shine and TNT—both teams playing their first games of the tournament. While these early victories are valuable, Uichico remains grounded. “First game ng Rain or Shine, first game ng TNT, that’s also…
A Familiar Rocky Start The TNT Tropang Giga find themselves in a situation eerily similar to last conference’s slow start, having stumbled to a 0-2 record to open the tournament. But if history is any indication, this might just be the early adversity they need to spark another title run. Last conference, TNT began 0-2 before rallying to win six straight games en route to capturing the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup crown — their second consecutive title. Coach Chot Reyes remains optimistic despite the hurdles. “We won’t stop trying,” Reyes declared, acknowledging that the team’s early struggles are compounded…
A Battle of Momentum and Style With both teams riding on mini-winning streaks, Rain or Shine and Converge are set for a high-stakes showdown in the 2024–25 PBA Philippine Cup at the PhilSports Arena. The game marks a pivotal moment in the elimination round, as both squads aim to stretch their streaks and solidify their standing. Rain or Shine, powered by an aggressive up-tempo game and gritty effort on the boards, seeks to extend its record to 3-1. On the other hand, Converge, currently at 3-2, looks to build on its impressive run and notch its fourth win in six…
A Rematch with New Stakes Nearly two months after their intense semifinals duel in the Commissioner’s Cup, Barangay Ginebra and NorthPort Batang Pier are set to meet again — this time under different circumstances. Their latest faceoff comes as both teams seek to recover from disappointing losses and regain their competitive rhythm in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup. Ginebra, coming off a lopsided 93-104 defeat to San Miguel Beer, and NorthPort, still reeling from back-to-back blowout losses to Rain or Shine (96-113) and Blackwater (98-120), are both in a rebuilding phase as they look to shake off early rust and…
Luck and Hard Work in Rain or Shine’s Recent Victory Rain or Shine Elasto Painters secured a strong 113-96 win over NorthPort in their last game, but even coach Yeng Guiao admitted that luck played a significant part. Facing a NorthPort squad missing its star player Arvin Tolentino due to a hip injury, the Elasto Painters took full advantage, showing grit and hustle despite missing two of their key big men — Keith Datu (calf injury) and Beau Belga (vertigo). However, Guiao understands that they can’t rely on fortune alone as they head into a tougher matchup against the…
No Illusions of an Easy Ride After sweeping the season’s two import-reinforced tournaments, the TNT Tropang Giga know better than to expect an easy path toward a historic Grand Slam. With the absence of key players and the weight of expectations on their shoulders, TNT faces a season where every game is a test of resilience, depth, and heart. The team’s journey took a shaky turn early, with a tough 74-91 loss to the NLEX Road Warriors in their opening game of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup. Despite their setbacks, the Tropang Giga remain determined to prove their critics…
A Historic Return to Zamboanga The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) makes a long-awaited return to Zamboanga City this weekend, rekindling the southern city’s deep-rooted passion for basketball. Proud sons of the region, Mark Barroca of Magnolia and RR Garcia of Phoenix Super LPG, headline the action in an exciting showdown set for Saturday at 7:30 p.m. This rare out-of-town PBA game not only revives Zamboanga’s basketball spirit but also pays homage to its rich history of producing top-level talents, from Alfonso Marquez in the MICAA era to the likes of Jay Mendoza, Rudy Lingganay, Gec Chia, and the Tolomia brothers…
A Fresh Start After Setbacks The Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings and the San Miguel Beermen are entering their upcoming clash with renewed focus and contrasting motivations. Both squads, staples of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) excellence, are on redemption arcs following disappointing ends in previous conferences. Ginebra is bouncing back from another title series loss to TNT Tropang Giga, while San Miguel is reeling from a rare misstep, having missed the playoffs in the Commissioner’s Cup—a surprising fall from grace for the storied franchise. As they face off this Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, both teams are eager to prove…
Aiming for Redemption After a Costly Defeat After suffering a tough 96-113 defeat to Rain or Shine, NorthPort Batang Pier is looking to get back on track as it faces Blackwater Bossing this Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup. The team, currently at 1-1, is banking on the return of ace forward Arvin Tolentino, who missed their previous outing due to a sore hip. Head coach Bonnie Tan expressed optimism with Tolentino’s recovery, noting that the forward has resumed full practice and should be ready for game action. Tolentino had an impressive performance in…