FIVE days from their elims closer entanglement, Magnolia and TNT clash anew Wednesday in what could easily be the most interesting matchup in the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals.
The Hotshots and the Tropang 5G slug it out at 7:30 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena - a collision of two raging forces with one pushing a bid to end a long draught and the other pursuing a lofty grand slam aspiration.
Both have the arsenal and firepower to chase their dream. Both brim with confidence and determination, hinting at an all-out battle.
Forget that Magnolia has the twice-to-beat advantage being the third seed ranged against the sixth seed.
The Hotshots themselves are the first to say their quarters perk doesn't automatically mean a sure passage into the next round.
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The job isn't done. They have to work for it, and the best thing to do is to stay locked in on things they want to do and pull a solid effort together.
For the Tropang 5G will surely be a determined lot, out to beat odds as they set out with a goal to win two in a row to extend their hopes of joining an elite club of Triple Crown achievers.
The two teams have sized up each other in their face-off on Friday won by the Hotshots, 88-83, in a crucial run in the second half.
It was a virtual opener of a twice-to-beat series between the two teams. With coach Chito Victolero's troops taking that game, they now enjoy the win-once advantage in their quarters series.
Another win Wednesday or in the next would have the Hotshots slaying the Tropang 5G and denying them of a "slam" following title runs in the Governors' Cup and the Commissioner's Cup.
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It could really be a dogfight with Paul Lee, Mark Barroca, Zavi Lucero, Will Navarro and Ian Sangalang to lead the charge for Magnolia versus the Tropang 5G bannered by Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy and Poy Erram. (SB)
