TNT def Magnolia, 98-93 [PBA S48 PH Cup | May 5, 2024]
Magnolia has proven its ability to bounce back strongly from a tough game, showcasing their resilience and determination on the court.
Now, it’s time for the TNT Tropang Giga to demonstrate their true strength as they face off against the Hotshots this Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. This matchup will mark the end of their elimination round campaign in the PBA Philippine Cup.
A victory for Magnolia, following their impressive 108-100 win against Terrafirma, would secure them a 7-4 record and the third seed in the quarterfinals. This would set them up for a best-of-three series against the sixth-seeded team.
On the other hand, a loss, especially a significant one, could potentially drop the Hotshots to seventh place, leading to a challenging twice-to-win situation against the second-ranked team, likely Barangay Ginebra.
Magnolia may receive a helping hand from their sister team, San Miguel Beer, if the latter defeats Meralco. This outcome would push the Bolts down to a 5-6 record and pave the way for the Hotshots to secure a spot in the best-of-three matchups among the top six teams.
Meanwhile, TNT, with a current record of 5-5, is in need of a victory to guarantee their place in the quarterfinals, potentially even securing the fourth seed and a best-of-three series against the fifth-seeded team.
However, a loss for TNT could place them in a tie for seventh place with a 5-6 record, leading to a tiebreaker scenario and a possible knockout game for the eighth spot.
Coach Chot Reyes and his team are facing pressure after a tough loss to Converge, where they attempted a comeback but ultimately fell short. Despite this setback, TNT can draw inspiration from Magnolia’s recent turnaround after their disappointing loss to Meralco.
The Hotshots’ impressive performance against Terrafirma showcased their ability to execute their game plan effectively, resulting in a significant improvement in their shooting percentage and overall offensive performance. With a renewed sense of confidence and momentum, both Magnolia and TNT are gearing up for a crucial showdown to determine their playoff fate.
