Fresh from the PBA's lengthy break, Magnolia aims to shake off the rust as it take on Converge in the resumption of action in the Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Magnolia aims to solidify its postseason position as it tangles with surging Converge in the resumption of action in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Friday, Dec. 5.
Match unfurls at 5:15 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
[RELATED STORY: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup details, where to watch, rosters, and more]
The Hotshots and the FiberXers share matching 5–2 slates. They crowd the third spot together with San Miguel and TNT.
A win guarantees the victor a quarterfinal berth and keeps it in the hunt for a coveted Top Four finish, which comes with a precious twice-to-beat advantage.
The Hotshots enter the game with a 90–75 victory in their last outing against Blackwater, though head coach LA Tenorio remains wary of his charges' recurring slow starts.
"We cannot really start like this all the time. Hindi puwedeng parati kaming naghahabol. I’d rather kami ’yong hinahabol kaysa kami ang naghahabol," said Tenorio.
Magnolia will confront a unique twist against the FiberXers — Javi Gomez de Liaño will meet his younger brother, rising rookie Juan, for the first time in the PBA, adding intrigue to an already high-stakes contest.
[RELATED STORY: Juan GDL 'really excited' for upcoming PBA clash with brother Javi]
Javi is expected to stay unfazed and deliver for the Hotshots anew, after producing a pivotal 17 points the last time out against the Bossing.
Zavier Lucero will also banner Magnolia.
Catch the livestream of this match on the One Sports YouTube Channel or on the Pilipinas Live app or website.
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of One Sports Digital with the help of AI and reviewed by editorial staff for accuracy.]