DO-OR-DIE: Magnolia, NLEX contest last ‘Q’ slot

Game today:

(Ynares Center)

7:30 p.m. — Magnolia vs NLEX

One last clash to decide the last team to complete the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals cast.

Magnolia and NLEX play in a game of death for the No. 8 spot in the playoffs today at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Surviving three do-or-die matches to keep their campaign in the mid-season conference alive, the Hotshots and Road Warriors duke it out at 7:30 p.m. for the right to challenge top seed and twice-to-beat NorthPort in the quarters.

Second-seeded TNT, Converge, Barangay Ginebra, Meralco, Hong Kong Eastern, and Rain or Shine are the other squads through to the next round.

Magnolia and NLEX finished the elimination round with identical 6-6 win-loss records, allowing themselves to get into the playoffs despite starting the conference on shaky ground.

“I think we have a chance (to advance in the playoffs) because the players are playing at their best. I think we’ve shown more of our character in our do-of-die games,” Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero said.

“We just have to stick to our game plan. It’s going to be a war.”

The runner-up in last year’s edition of the import-laden tournament kept its head above water after blowing out import-less Meralco, 129-92, last Friday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Magnolia will lean on Ricardo Ratliffe, who dropped 31 points and grabbed 19 rebounds the last time out, and a solid local crew led by Zav Lucero, Ian Sangalang, Mark Barroca, Calvin Abueva and a healthier Paul Lee.

The Hotshots have a psychological edge over the Road Warriors that they’ve beaten, 99-95, in the elims last 20 December.

“I think we got a good shot if we continue the way we’re playing. We didn’t start the conference off very well but you want to be playing your best towards this time of the conference and I feel like we’re doing that. I think the ball is moving really well and our defense is clicking,” Lucero said.

“As long as we continue to bring that same motivation, playing with desperation. Just continue to play how we’re playing is gonna be important.”

Bannered by top Best Player of the Conference contender Robert Bolick and Best Import frontrunner Mike Watkins, NLEX crushed Eastern, 94-76, last Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Javee Mocon, Jonnel Policarpio, Kevin Alas and Rob Herndon are all expected to bring their A-game to fuel the Road Warriors’ drive to the quarters.

“Two weeks ago, we were on the brink of elimination but now we have a chance (to make the quarterfinals), so we’ll take this,” NLEX coach Jong Uichico said.

“I’m always glad to have a chance to get to the next round. How we’ll get there? Only God knows. But I just like that opportunity to get into the next round,” he added.

The Tropang Giga are also armed with a win-once incentive over No. 7 Eastern.

Third-seeded Converge and No. 6 Rain or Shine as well as No. 4 Barangay Ginebra and No. 5 Meralco battle in a best-of-three quarters series.