The Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok is scheduled for a head-to-head game against the NorthPort Batang Pier at 7:00 P.M. on September 27, 2019 live from the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Hotshots fell short in the third conference opener and looking to make a bounce back while the Batang Pier wanted to strike the 2-0 record when the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup returns this evening in Cubao.
Magnolia gave up their 17 points advantage when they faced the inspired Meralco Bolts last September 21 also played at the Big Dome.
Their opponent clamped their scorers in the final quarter where the team of coach Chito Victolero held scoreless in the last 4:40 minutes.
Gilas players Paul Lee and Mark Barroca returned to their PBA ball-club and sparked 20 and 18 points respectively, yet, not enough for them to have a good start for their title defense.
For NorthPort on the other hand, head coach Pido Jarencio is all praises to his prized rookie, Robert Bolick.
“Yung confidence niya, tataas na talaga. Isipin mo, the best in the world nakalaban niya. Kahit papaano, nagkakumpiyansa ng husto ‘yung bata,” said coach Jarencio.
Bolick was impressive during their outing against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters where he made 20 points and five dimes. That is despite not having ample time to jell with his teammates as he is coming from his Gilas stint.
“For the whole offseason, hindi namin nakasama si Robert dahil pina-focus namin siya sa Gilas. Ngayon pa lang kumakapa. Nakita naman kung gaano katalino ‘yung bata, nakaka-jell na sa mga players,” Jarencio said.