Rain or Shine def Magnolia, 113-110 [PBA S48 Comm’s Cup | Dec. 16, 2023]

From Antipolo to Tiaong, Quezon and to San Jose, Batangas, the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Saturday caravan flies over to Cagayan de Oro City.

The elimination round is way past the halfway mark, and the Xavier U Gym will be a silent witness to a crucial setto pitting rampaging Magnolia and a rallying Rain or Shine side.

Game time is at 6:15 p.m. with coach Chito Victolero and his Hotshots looking to pull away further from the field for a safe passage to the Top 4 which reward a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.

With a 7-0 card, the Hotshots have a lock for a quarterfinals spot. But they are bent on marching on and pushing forward for the best possible placing in the Magic 8.

They have been all grit, guts and heart in a perfect romp from the preseason PBA On Tour.

But Victolero said they’re bracing for a battle against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters who have hit their stride, winning their last two games against the Blackwater Bossing, 115-110, and the NLEX Road Warriors, 113-101.

Coach Yeng Guiao and his crew have reversed their fortunes in sending home original import DaJuan Summers and filling his spot with Tree Treadwell.