ROS goes for 3rd win in row
by Jonas Terrado
Games Today (Ynares Center, Antipolo City)
4:30 p.m. – Columbian vs Rain or Shine
7 p.m. – Meralco vs Magnolia
Magnolia tries to close in on a twice-to-beat advantage while Rain or Shine shoots for its third straight win despite the absence of Raymond Almazan when they face separate foes today in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Hotshots take on the Meralco Bolts at 7 p.m. as they aim for an eighth win in nine matches that will keep them ahead in the standings of the season-ending conference even as the Elasto Painters go for a share of eighth place in the 4:30 p.m. clash opposite the struggling Columbian Dyip.
Another victory puts Magnolia one step closer to becoming the first team to secure the quarterfinal bonus which would give them a strong chance of making the semifinals for the fifth time in six conferences under coach Chito Victoloro.
Magnolia showed steady resolve last Sunday when it weathered off Alaska’s fourth quarter comeback for an 83-73 triumph at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Coach Chito Victolero recently has gotten vital contributions from sophomore guard Jio Jalalon, who was named Player of the Week by the PBA Press Corps after averaging 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 1.5 steals in wins over Blackwater and Alaska.
Paul Lee remains as Magnolia’s top gunner while import Romeo Travis remains the guy that holds the fort with his presence on both ends.
Meralco seeks to snap Magnolia’s five-game skid and stay in contention for a quarters slot. The Bolts are coming off a 108-105 win over the NLEX Road Warriors that arrested a six-game skid.
