Can Jerom Lastimosa and the Magnolia Hotshots put an end to a three-game losing skid in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup?
Still looking for that winning gift in December are the Magnolia Hotshots.
Since their initial November 28 win against Blackwater, the Hotshots have endured a three-game losing skid in the ongoing PBA Commissioner's Cup.
[ALSO READ: Ricardo Ratliffe makes good on promise to return, lifts Magnolia to 1st win vs Blackwater]
Magnolia eyes to finally break the drought in squaring off against the Rain or Shine Elasto in the opening game of Wednesday's double-header at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Tip-off is at 5:00 p.m.
The Hotshots opened their campaign with a win over Blackwater, but has since faltered against Converge FiberXers, NorthPort Batang Pier, and most recently against the TNT Tropang Giga.
The absence of key players in Paul Lee and Zavier Lucero have been a major contributing factor in their 1-3 start, leaving the team searching for answers in the mid-season tournament.
Despite the tough stretch, rookie Jerom Lastimosa has been a revelation, averaging 17 points in his four games. Meanwhile, veteran import Ricardo Ratliffe is still also putting up strong numbers of 23 points and 16 rebounds on a 55 percent shooting clip so far.
Now is perhaps the best time for Magnolia to finally wake up from a nightmare start, as the Hotshots also prepare for their Christmas Clasico showdown with the Brgy. Ginebra Kings next week.
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]