Magnolia is determined to recover from a disappointing loss to Converge in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup to strengthen its position for a Top Four finish.
Zavier Lucero banners Magnolia as it aims to bolster its bid for a Top-Four finish — and the bonus that comes with it — when it battles co-leader NLEX in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Sunday, Dec. 7.
Match is set at 5:15 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Center in Montalban.
[WATCH: PBA LIVESTREAM: Magnolia Hotshots vs NLEX Road Warriors | Philippine Cup]
The Hotshots enter the match at co-fifth with TNT with their similar 5-3 marks, just behind the Road Warriors, San Miguel, Converge and Rain or Shine, which are toting identical 6-2 records for a logjam at the first spot.
That makes Magnolia still within striking distance of a twice-to-beat quarterfinal incentive, but it needs a strong finish to get there. It must sweep its remaining games to strengthen its chances.
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The Hotshots are fresh from a 97-114 loss to Converge just two days ago, a defeat that saw them lose grip of a 13-point first-half lead as things unraveled in the third period.
Lucero was spectacular despite the loss, firing 31 points, nine rebounds, a steal, and two blocks, while Jerom Lastimosa added 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Standing in Magnolia's way is an NLEX team riding momentum from its back-to-back wins. Robert Bolick will be leading the way as the Road Warriors also look to strengthen their hold of the top spot.
Watch the 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.]