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A Crucial Matchup in Ilocos Sur
The Magnolia Hotshots are set to hit the hardwood once again, this time in an out-of-town clash against the NorthPort Batang Pier at the Candon City Arena in Candon, Ilocos Sur. After suffering a rare defeat, Magnolia is determined to bounce back and secure a vital win that would seal their place in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup playoffs.
Despite a 105-119 setback against Rain or Shine, the Hotshots remain one of the tournament’s top contenders, thanks to a solid start in the eliminations. But with the season entering a crucial stretch, every game now carries added weight.
Coach Victolero Urges Back-to-Basics Approach
Head coach Chito Victolero isn’t pressing the panic button just yet. Instead, he’s choosing to treat the Rain or Shine loss as a learning opportunity rather than a failure.
“Wala namang natalo, may natuto lang,” he said. “We need to go back to basic… It’s not easy to win.”
Victolero is focused on preparation and improvement, encouraging his players to watch film, reflect, and regroup. With only a few games left in the elimination round, every bit of momentum counts.
Eyeing a Top Four Finish
Currently in a strong position, one more win is all Magnolia needs to clinch a quarterfinal berth. But the team is setting its sights higher — aiming for a Top Four finish, which comes with a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs.
Their next three matches — against Barangay Ginebra (June 1), NLEX Road Warriors (June 6), and TNT Tropang 5G (June 13) — are expected to be tightly contested. Victolero is rallying his squad to push harder through this critical phase.
NorthPort Batang Pier: Hoping to End the Skid
On the other side of the court, the NorthPort Batang Pier are desperately trying to turn their fortunes around. After an impressive opening win against Terrafirma, the team has spiraled into a five-game losing streak.
Losses to Rain or Shine, Blackwater, Ginebra, Meralco, and Converge have dropped them to a 1-5 record, making their playoff hopes slim but not impossible. Their cause hasn’t been helped by an injury to star player Arvin Tolentino, who was expected to lead the charge this conference.
Coach Bonnie Tan and his team are now banking on a possible turnaround, starting with a strong performance against Magnolia.
What’s at Stake
For Magnolia, the goal is clear: lock in a Top Four spot and build confidence heading into the playoffs. For NorthPort, it’s about survival and rekindling any hope of making it to the Top Eight.
The 7:30 p.m. tip-off promises intense action, strategic adjustments, and two teams with very different motivations but the same drive to win.
This showdown is more than just a regular-season matchup — it’s a test of resilience, strategy, and mental toughness. As the PBA Philippine Cup heads toward its climax, expect fireworks in Candon as the Magnolia Hotshots aim to bounce back and the NorthPort Batang Pier fight to stay alive.
Stay tuned for updates, scores, and key highlights from this pivotal PBA clash.