The Magnolia Hotshots are coming off a resounding 52-point win over Rain or Shine in Game 2 of the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals series.
Things are heating up.
The Magnolia Hotshots and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are set to meet for Game 3 of their PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup quarterfinal series on September 29, with both teams eager to take control.
Rain or Shine claimed a narrow victory in Game 1, but Magnolia roared back in Game 2 with a dominant 121-69 win—the sixth-largest margin of victory in PBA history.
[Related: Chito Victolero lauds new import Jabari Bird's positive vibes with Magnolia]
The Hotshots’ resounding victory not only evened the series, but also sent a clear message as they head into this pivotal third game.
Magnolia’s new import, Jabari Bird, made an immediate impact in his debut, posting 22 points and 13 rebounds.
Local support was also crucial, as five Hotshots scored in double figures, led by Calvin Abueva’s 18 points and 10 rebounds.
[Related: Calvin Abueva insists QF series far from over despite Game 2 rout of Rain or Shine]
Magnolia will look to build on its Game 2 momentum and keep the offense clicking as the Hotshots push for a 2-1 series lead.
On the other side, Rain or Shine struggled in Game 2, with import Aaron Fuller contributing only 10 points before leaving the game with an eye injury.
The Elasto Painters will surely need Fuller as close to full strength as possible, along with a much better all-around performance, to reclaim their early series edge.
Game 3 is crucial for both teams as they look to move within one win of the semifinals. Gametime will be a 7:30 p.m. Sunday live from the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
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[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]