MAGNOLIA Chicken Timplados tries to formally clinch a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals against Converge on Saturday at the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Hotshots will be up against the struggling FiberXers at 6:15 p.m. with the goal of reaching nine wins that would undoubtedly clinch one of the four twice-to-beat incentives in the quarterfinals.
Magnolia is seen as a heavy favorite to win the game based on the team standings with Converge at 11th place with a 1-7 win-loss record.
“We respect our opponent. That’s the word – respect. Our target is the incentive sa quarterfinals. We have the goal. Just what we did in the preseason, we have that commitment to our goal,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.
Calvin Abueva has been re-activated in the line-up after recovering from a calf injury and is expected to play his first game of the season, giving Magnolia an added firepower to the ballgame.
Converge will aim for an upset win that would keep itself in the hunt for the quarterfinals.
In the first game, Rain or Shine looks to boost its quarterfinal bid against Terrafirma at 3 p.m.
The Elasto Painters will look to extend their three-game winning streak in the clash against the Dyip.
After a 0-5 start, Rain or Shine has strung up consecutive wins including a 113-110 victory over league-leading Magnolia last week in Cagayan De Oro City, dramatically putting itself in the hunt for the quarterfinals.
Losers of five straight games including a 104-91 defeat against Magnolia last Wednesday, Terrafirma will seek to keep its flickering quarterfinal hopes alive with a win over Rain or Shine.
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