Hotshots, Tropa clash in virtual playoff duel

MANILA, Philippines —  There’s no time to fret over the recent disappointing results for both Magnolia and TNT.

The Hotshots (7-3), the erstwhile pacesetters of the PBA Philippine Cup who are now on a two-game skid and in danger of missing the Top 4, can still secure the coveted spot with a bounce back victory in their eliminations closeout today.

But they have to do so against the Tropang 5G (6-4), who themselves have their sights on the pivotal W in the 7:30 p.m. tiff at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium to fan their own twice-to-beat aspirations.

The protagonists are engaged in a wild battle for the “Magic 4” heading to the last two playdates of the preliminaries.

Leader NLEX, with 8-3, has put a lock on one of the advantageous positions already as San Miguel, Magnolia, Ginebra (all with 7-3), Converge (7-4), and TNT and Rain or Shine (both with 6-4) try to follow suit. But the Beermen, the Hotshots and the Gin Kings can end the dispute by finishing with eight wins.

Aside from staying in play for the win-once incentive, the grand slam-seeking Tropang 5G carry an extra motivation in this heavyweight matchup with the Hotshots.

After going on a hot six-game streak, reigning Governors’ Cup and Commissioner’s Cup title holder TNT got a 78-97 beatdown from the Gin Kings last Sunday.

“Sabi ni coach (Chot Reyes) mag-move on na kami sa game na ‘yun (Ginebra loss). We have to be accountable, each and every one of us, especially ngayon na mas crucial na ‘yung game sa Friday against Magnolia for twice-to-beat,” said TNT center Poy Erram.