NLEX, Magnolia share common goal

MANILA, Philippines — They’ve worked hard for their twice-to-beat positions in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup playoffs. And naturally, second-seeded NLEX and No. 3 Magnolia are in no mood to give their respective quarterfinals opponents the opening to strike and potentially lay it all to waste in the end.

The Road Warriors are hunting for only their third semifinal appearance overall and first since the Season 46 Governors’ Cup, and they can achieve this if they cash in on their win-once edge against No. 7 Rain or Shine today at the PhilSports Arena.

Title-less since the 2018, the Hotshots continue their quest and look to take the fast lane to the Final Four with a quick, grand slam-ending disposal of No. 6 TNT.

Both NLEX and Magnolia prefer to treat the quarters opener as a do-or-die, knowing how capable and experienced their respective rivals are.

“They may be No. 6 but they’re capable of winning the title,” Hotshots coach Chito Victolero said of the Tropang 5G.

Magnolia engages with TNT barely five days after their faceoff in the elims closeout, which the Hotshots won, 88-83, en route to the playoffs incentive.

“Hindi naman kami makakapili (opponent). All you can do is prepare and then hopefully ganito, magkaroon kami ng chance sa dulo. It’s a 50/50 chance against this team so wala ditong advantage I think.”

The Tropang 5G are expected to go all out with their grand slam bid at risk.

“Nandito na kami, we’ll take our chances. Sana pumabor naman sa amin,” said TNT star Calvin Oftana.