May 24, 2025

PBA: Zavier Lucero, Magnolia look to regroup against reeling NorthPort in Candon

PBA: Zavier Lucero, Magnolia look to regroup against reeling NorthPort in Candon
Zavier Lucero has been a key piece for the Magnolia Hotshots. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports

After seeing their unbeaten streak snapped, Zavier Lucero and the Magnolia Hotshots aim to bounce back strong as they take on the struggling NorthPort Batang Pier in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup on Saturday, May 24.

Gametime is set at 7:30 p.m. at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur. The match will be livestreamed via One Sports’ YouTube channel, powered by Pilipinas Live.

Now at 6-1, Magnolia is eager to move on from a 119-105 stinger dealt by Rain or Shine last May 18—a game where the Hotshots were outplayed in the first and third quarters, 67-40 combined.

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Despite solid showings from Lucero (17 points), Mark Barroca (15 points), and Ian Sangalang (15 points), the Hotshots couldn’t recover from their lapses.

Fortunately for the Hotshots, they get a shot at redemption against a NorthPort squad mired in a five-game losing skid and reeling with a 1-5 record.

A win here not only gifts Magnolia a playoff berth, but also helps them rebuild momentum heading into the homestretch of the eliminations.

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(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)

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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]

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