The semifinals of the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup kicks off with an intriguing match up between Rain or Shine and Magnolia as they open their best-of-seven affair.
The Elasto Painters and the Hotshots both try to draw first blood when they meet in Game 1 at 7 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Coaches of both protagonists gave some key factors that their respective teams must observe heading into the series.
“We have to take care of their pressure defense,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia. “We have to limit our turnovers and their offense for us to have a good chance.”
“It’s about grit and will for us. It’s another tough series and it’s against the No. 2 team,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero. “We need to be more determined and consistent than them (Rain or Shine).”
Both teams will be entering the series with momentum on their side.
Rain or Shine, the second seed, is armed with a two-game winning streak, while Magnolia is probably the hottest team entering the Final Four phase, having won two in a row as well and five of its last six.
The Painters took care of business right away to advance on their first try, dumping NorthPort, 91-85, last Sunday.
On the contrary, the Hotshots needed to gather themselves to advance.
Once on the brink of elimination, Magnolia came back from a 0-1 series deficit against Barangay Ginebra and won the last two games to move forward and score the 2-1 victory.
What’s impressive was that the Hotshots took down the Gin Kings emphatically in those last two wins, winning by an average of 21 points.