Magnolia looks to extend perfect run vs Rain or Shine in PBA Philippine Cup
The Magnolia Hotshots are well on their way to a playoff berth in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup, but don’t expect them to take their foot off the gas just yet.
At 6-0, the Hotshots are the lone unbeaten team in the conference. Still, head coach Chito Victolero is keeping his squad grounded and focused, knowing the real battle is just beginning.
“It’s a good start, but malayo pa ito,” said Victolero. “Hindi kami pwedeng mag-kampante. We should keep on working hard because that’s the secret to our early romps—and the players are embracing that.”
Their next test? A feisty Rain or Shine squad that sits at 3-2, ready to pull off an upset in their 7:30 p.m. showdown this Sunday at Ynares Center Montalban.
![The Magnolia Hotshots eye their seventh straight win and a playoff ticket as they face the determined Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. [PBA Images]](http://ourdailynewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PBA-Images632.jpg)
Rain or Shine Ready for the Challenge
The Elasto Painters, under veteran coach Yeng Guiao, are looking to build on their strong 120-106 win over Blackwater Bossing. With victories against NorthPort, Meralco, and Blackwater, and losses to NLEX and Converge, Rain or Shine is hovering around the mid-tier but poses a legitimate threat on any given night.
“Sana panalo bago magbakasyon para may time mag-prepare sa Magnolia,” said Guiao. “Malaking bagay ‘yun para maka-recover ‘yung bigs namin.”
Magnolia expects a physical, high-stakes game—something they are already accustomed to.
“Like Meralco, every time we face Rain or Shine, it’s a physical game,” Victolero noted. “Ready naman ang players—beterano sila, alam na nila kung ano ang pupuntahan nilang game.”
All Eyes on the Playoff Ticket
A win for Magnolia would secure an outright playoff entry. But Victolero is quick to remind his squad that every team is now targeting them as a statement win.
“Sabi ko nga sa players, lahat ng teams they want to beat us to boost their confidence,” said Victolero. “That will be foremost on our minds.”
With leadership, discipline, and a no-complacency mindset, the Hotshots are treating each game like a final. And if Sunday’s clash lives up to its billing, it could be a preview of the playoff wars to come.
