Magnolia is determined to inch closer to a twice-to-beat incentive in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, battling Rain or Shine all the way from Bahrain.
Zavier Lucero and the Magnolia Hotshots take their Top 4 bid overseas as they square off with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Monday, Dec. 15.
The match tips off at 11:55 p.m. (PH time) at Khalifa Sports City Stadium in Bahrain.
The game is a milestone for the league, serving as the PBA’s first contest in Bahrain and another highlight event in its 50th anniversary celebrations.
Magnolia comes in at 6-3, currently tied for second place with TNT, and remains firmly in the hunt for an upper-bracket finish.
The Hotshots are fresh from a convincing 98-82 win over NLEX, showing depth and balance at both ends.
Lucero paced Magnolia with an all-around outing of 18 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks, while defensive stopper Rome dela Rosa delivered an offensive spark with 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block.
Mark Barroca added 12 points, with James Laput and Chris Koon chipping in 11 apiece, and Ian Sangalang contributing 10.
Facing a Rain or Shine side that can clinch a twice-to-beat edge with a win, Magnolia will aim to spoil the party and strengthen its own position in the race for a Top 4 finish in this rare international PBA setting.
The game is available to stream on Pilipinas Live and the One Sports YouTube channel.
(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.]