THE PBA Philippine Cup stages its first out-of-town game on Saturday, as league-leader Magnolia takes on dangerous Phoenix in Zamboanga City.
MAGNOLIA VS. PHOENIX
When: Saturday, April 26. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Mayor Vitaliano Agan Coliseum
Hot start for Hotshots
Magnolia began the Philippine Cup on a blistering note with three straight wins that included a rousing 98-95 overtime win over San Miguel last April 13. They haven’t had this kind of start since last season’s 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup when they went 7-0 en route to a place in the finals. The Hotshots can make it four in a row against the Fuel Masters in an out-of-town game.
Lucero standing tall for Magnolia
The most consistent performer for the Hotshots in this grand start is Zavier Lucero, who is averaging 21 points and 6.3 rebounds.
The sophomore big man is starting to prove that he can carry the Hotshots. From the way he is going, it won’t be for long that the future is now for Lucero.
Can Phoenix offense overcome Magnolia defense
The Fuel Masters won their first game of the conference through fiery offense, as they shot down reigning champion Meralco, 109-97, last April 13. It was Phoenix’s best offensive outing so far with much thanks to the return of Jason Perkins from an illness. He had 19 points in that game for Phoenix, and the they need the same production if they want to beat a Hotshots team that prides itself on defense and has only given up 83.3 points this conference.
If the Fuel Masters surpass that number, there is a good chance for them to win the game.
Zamboanga players go back to hometown
It is going to be a treat for Zamboanga fans, as they welcome back some of their own in the PBA’s first game in the city after a couple of years. Magnolia has two players from the city in no less than Mark Barroca and rookie Peter Alfaro. But Phoenix also has its own Zamboangueno in RR Garcia. Who will emerge victorious among them?
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