Magnolia def NorthPort, 110-94 [PBA S49 Govs’ Cup | Sep. 20, 2024]

Magnolia is set to clash with NorthPort in a pivotal matchup that carries significant playoff ramifications as the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup progresses on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.

The Hotshots (4-4) currently occupy the fourth position in the standings, while the Batang Pier, struggling with their form, have suffered two consecutive losses and hold a 3-5 record ahead of their 7:30 p.m. showdown.

Meanwhile, NLEX (3-5) seeks to end a four-game losing streak and revive their playoff aspirations as they face off against Phoenix (1-8) at 5 p.m.

Magnolia is coming off a heart-wrenching 84-82 defeat against the formidable TNT Tropang Giga (7-1).

Having been inconsistent throughout the conference, coach Chito Victolero’s squad will need to tighten their play to reignite their playoff pursuit.

Veteran guard Mark Barroca is expected to don a protective face mask after suffering a nose injury from an accidental elbow by TNT’s Kelly Williams in their last outing.

Barroca exited the game due to a bleeding nose, but true to his resilient nature, he is anticipated to take the court against NorthPort, given the stakes of the match.

As of this writing, NorthPort’s import situation remains unclear, with Venky Jois sidelined due to a partially torn Achilles incurred during their recent loss to Meralco.

If Jois is unable to play, the Batang Pier may be forced to field an all-Filipino lineup against the Hotshots.

In such a scenario, coach Bonnie Tan will need to maximize the potential of players like Arvin Tolentino, William Navarro, and Cade Flores as NorthPort battles for playoff survival.

In their previous encounter on September 4, Magnolia faced a resilient NorthPort team, even with Jois and Navarro absent due to ankle injuries.

Despite the absence of their key players, NorthPort put up a valiant effort before Magnolia pulled away with an explosive fourth-quarter performance, driven by former Batang Pier standout Zavier Lucero’s impressive 16 points and 12 rebounds, leading the Hotshots to a 105-94 victory.