The Magnolia Hotshots is scheduled for a head-to-head game against the Blackwater Elite at 4:00 PM on November 11, 2020, live from the AUF Sports Arena and Cultural Center in Angeles City, Pampanga.
The Hotshots extended their winning streak at the expense of the already eliminated NorthPort Batang Pier, 83-76.
Ian Sangalang posted 23 points and nine boards while Paul Lee took the lead, both in defense and offense, finishing with 14 markers in a win.
With a 6-4 win-loss record, the Hotshots are tied with the Meralco Bolts and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (ROS), all eyeing to capture one of the four twice-to-beat incentives heading to the playoffs.
Talking about their blazing five-game winning streak in the bubble, Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero said: “Magandang i-keep namin ang momentum papasok sa quarterfinals.”
Playing to halt Hotshots from getting the twice-to-beat, however, is the Elite. Already obliterated in the competition, the Blackwater, just like the three other eliminated teams, aims to exit the season with a win.
Blackwater was heartbroken the last outing as they were only down by four points at the end of the buzzer, 100-96, at the hands of the now second-running Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.
Blackwater slipped to its seventh straight defeat, dropping to 2-8, which put them at the bottom of the team standings.
KG Canaleta led the Elite with 21 points and led a 10-0 charge that allowed the Elite to grab a 40-27 lead, but they collapsed in the endgame.
Already given the ticket to continue in the PBA restart quarterfinals, Magnolia, with a win later, will give them a fighting chance for the all-important incentive. However, a loss at the hands of the Elite will keep them in the lower half of the Top Eight, which means that they have to beat their opponent in the quarterfinals twice to qualify for the next round.