HOTSHOTS AIM HIGHER
Bey-led Magnolia shoots for win No. 9 vs lowly Converge
Magnolia looks to close out the year on a high note and get a better position in the standings against the lowly Converge in the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, Dec. 23.
With the twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs already secured, the Hotshots take their aim at the top seed – something that a win against the Fiberxers in the 6:15 p.m. affair would further solidify.
Setting the table to the collision is another interesting matchup between the fast-rising Rain or Shine and the free-falling Terrafirma in the first offering at 4 p.m.
Magnolia currently sits atop the standings with an 8-1 record but teams like Phoenix and Meralco are also making their chase at the second and third spots with 7-1 and 6-1 slates, respectively.
Converge, however, wants none of that as it tries to keep its flickering playoff hopes alive in the contest which serves as a virtually do-or-die affair for a 1-7 team.
Leading the pack for the Hotshots is import Tyler Bey who is nothing short of spectacular so far in the conference, averaging 28.22 points, 14 rebounds, 2.2 assist, 2.2 steals and 1.1 blocks through the nine games.
Of course, it is not only Bey who is carrying the fight as Magnolia has been boasting its biggest advantage all-conference long – it’s depth – especially with Paul Lee, Ian Sangalang, Mark Barroca and Jio Jalalon getting ample support from guys like James Laput, Aris Dionisio and Rome Dela Rosa.
Converge’s case, on the other hand, is a stark contrast as the young crew of head coach Aldin Ayo has been looking for a man to step up and be the team’s go-to guy amidst the struggles.
Justin Arana has shown a glimpse of that after helping the Fiberxers rally back from a double-digit deficit, only to fall short in the end against Meralco.