MAGNOLIA and NLEX meet in a key face-off Friday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, slugging it out for the solo lead heading to the homestretch of the elims.
After leading the pack most of the way, the Hotshots dropped to a tie with the Road Warriors in losing two of their last three outings, yielding to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (105-119) and to the Barangay Ginebra Kings (81-85).
At 7-2, the Hotshots, however, are still in pole spot and in good position to claim a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
"We will go for it (playoffs incentive)," said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero whose troops are determined to mend their ways after a slide punctuated by a sorry loss in Sunday's Manila Clasico where they blew away a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter.
"We can't dwell on that. We focus on NLEX na, our next game. 'Yung destiny namin, 'yung chance namin to have a twice-to-beat advantage still nasa kamay pa naman namin. So we will prepare hard to get that," Victolero also said.
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With an early buffer, the Hotshots still have two shots at securing a Top Four finish. After their NLEX assignment, the Hotshots end their elims stint versus the TNT Tropang 5G on June 13.
Coach Jong Uichico's wards are as determined to stay on top and reward themselves with a win-once bonus in the quarters.
The Road Warriors go for it versus the Hotshots. If foiled, they have another crack at it versus the NorthPort Batang Pier on June 11.
Of course, the primary goal is to win as many games and get the best seeding that they can.
Magnolia and NLEX are in the lead but the position is shaky, with San Miguel Beer right behind them at 6-2, followed closely by Barangay Ginebra (6-3), Rain or Shine (6-3), TNT (5-3).
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Also assured of playoff spots are Converge (6-4) and defending champion Meralco (6-5).(SB)
