‘Manila Clasico’ for mid bidders

Magnolia eyes to boost its playoff chance against rival Barangay Ginebra when they figure in another chapter of the fabled ‘Manila Clasico’ today in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Game time is at 6:45 p.m., with the Hotshots (4-4) looking to string a second win in row to solidify a spot inside the top eight.

The Gin Kings (2-5) try to keep their heads above water in a bid to salvage their mid-season conference campaign.

The league’s hottest team Alaska (7-1), meanwhile, aims to claim solo lead and inch closer to clinching one of the twice-to-beat incentives against another playoff bonus-seeking Meralco (6-2) in the first game at 4:30 p.m.

After a forgettable three-game losing skein that derailed their campaign, the Hotshots are back on track with a huge 111-89 win over Talk ‘N Text on Wednesday.

Magnolia coach Chito Victolero hopes to spark his team for a last playoff push.

“Our battlecry is to try to find ways to win. I was happy to see my players respond to the challenge. Kasi ang mentality namin ngayon, every game, do-or-die na eh,” he said.

With the hungry Ginebra standing on their way, Victolero is expecting a war like in the past editions of the Manila Clasico.

“It’s Manila Clasico. Like always, the players, coaches and fans will be treated to an exciting game,” he said.

Banking on a huge 93-85 win over NLEX last Saturday which also halted their own three-game losing skid, Ginebra is tipped to go all out to leap from ninth place on a meager 2-5 record.

Meanwhile, Rain or Shine came back from a huge 19-point deficit to crush Phoenix Petroleum, 108-106, and reclaim the solo lead while getting near at clinching one of the twice-to-beat incentives last night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

With the game hanging in the balance in the last five seconds, the Elasto Painters banked on their defensive paws as import Reggie Johnson intimidated Matthew Wright’s potential basket en route to a much-needed victory.

The burly Johnson dropped 32 points, 16 rebounds, five assists and three blocks to lead Rain or Shine which improved to a league-best 8-1 record and is now a win away from securing one of the two quarterfinal bonus.

Supporting him were veteran James Yap and Beau Belga who had 13 points apiece.

Jeff Chan’s big outing of 26 points against his former team went for naught as the Fuel Masters suffered their fourth loss in a row.