The Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok is scheduled for a best-of-seven semi-finals match against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. Game 7 is at 6:30 P.M. on April 28, 2019 live from the Mall of Asia Arena.
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After a grueling first six games of the best-of-seven series between the Hotshots and the Elasto Painters it now came to its peak, the most anticipated where winner takes it all, the Game Seven.
In the previous defeats of Rain or Shine in their semis campaign, the young guns of coach Caloy Garcia got shutdown.
Most likely the defenders of the opposing team are now respecting their skills especially in the playoffs.
Second year player Rey Nambatac seems like he got free from his pesky defender as he was able to convert four triples in the fourth quarter. “The Stingray” produced 13 points in that period alone enough to push the series to a rubber match.
Coach Garcia wanted to his team to carry the same mentality as they enter a “do-or-die” battle tonight at the MOA Arena.
“In Game Six, I told them not to think about the repercussion of the game, just play the way you’re supposed to play and be relaxed. Come Game Seven, I think we just have to do the same. However, the Magnolia has been in this situation before and has the upperhand in terms of experience but we’ll keep on fighting. I told the guys we just have to trust each other and let’s see what happens in Game Seven,” Garcia said.
For the Hotshots on the other hand, playing as a team in a decisive match isn’t that new to them. In this 2019 PBA Philippine Cup Playoffs alone they were in that situation against the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
Now they’re looking for the same result and to have a rematch with the Beermen in the Finals.
“Basically, it’s now all about the will and the desire of the players. Whoever wants it more on Sunday will win this,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.