TNT def Magnolia, 103-100 [PBA S49 Comm’s Cup | Dec. 11, 2024]

Pre-tournament favorites TNT and Magnolia are both seeking to right the ship after shaky starts as they clash on Wednesday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the iconic Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Tropang Giga, fresh off their Governors’ Cup title just a month ago, find themselves winless in their first two outings. Meanwhile, the Hotshots—14-time champions dating back to their Purefoods days and perennial powerhouses—are reeling from losses in two of their opening three contests.

With both teams eager to shake off their early-season woes, they look to secure vital wins to position themselves among the eight squads advancing to the next round following the grueling 12-game elimination phase.

Coach Chot Reyes has expressed the urgency for his Tropang Giga to tighten up, especially after they committed a staggering 21 turnovers in their narrow 95-100 loss to NorthPort last Sunday.

On a brighter note for TNT, Poy Erram is set to return from a one-game suspension served after he committed an F2 in their 84-105 defeat against Eastern last Friday. His presence is expected to bolster a lineup already missing the likes of injured veteran Kelly Williams and Jayson Castro, who is observing a mandated rest period following his heavy workload in the Governors’ Cup.

Meanwhile, Magnolia continues to navigate challenges without their star guard Paul Lee, who missed a close 103-107 setback to NorthPort last Wednesday due to a rib contusion sustained in a tight 91-93 loss to Converge.

However, the Hotshots have received a boost with Ricrado Ratliffe cleared to play after recovering from a right shoulder injury that hindered him to just 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting against Batang Pier. As both teams gear up for a much-anticipated showdown, the stakes have never been higher for these struggling favorites.