Contender Magnolia Hotshots is having an up-and-down conference, and it hopes to get another win over Northport Batang Pier, who are still unclear about its new import.

Catch the game this Friday, September 20th, at 7:30 PM.

Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots (4-4)

Projected starting five:

• Paul Lee 
• Joseph Eriobu
• Glenn Robinson III
• Rome Dela Rosa
• Ian Sangalang

The Hotshots have lost two of their last three games. On Saturday, they lost to the TNT Tropang Giga 84-82, as they shot just 35.9%, and a disgusting 1-of-20 from beyond the arc. Import Shabazz Muhammad had 30 points and 17 rebounds, but he was 13-of-31, and no other Hotshot scored more than 13.

Still, expect Muhammad to keep carrying the scoring load. He has always been a scorer, as seen in his US NCAA, NBA, and San Miguel Beermen days, and will continue doing that.

As always, lead guard Paul Lee will lead the Magnolia locals in aiding the import. He had a double-double of 20 points and 11 assists in their 105-94 win over Northport last September 4th. 

Big man Zavier Lucero appears to be the next key guy on the roster, and he’ll remain as one to watch out for – he also posted a healthy double-double vs. NOR earlier, with 16 points, 12 boards, and a pair of blocks.

Sensational guard Jerick Ahanmisi and veterans Mark Barroca and Calvin Abueva could be X-Factors as well. Anyone can suddenly go for a big night.

Northport Batang Pier (3-5)

Projected starting five:

• John Calma
• Jio Jalalon
• Joshua Munzon
• Arvin Tolentino
• Will Navarro

Northport heads to the game as losers in four of its last five games. To make it worse, it’s still unclear as to who the new import will be. Venky Jois was stretchered out in the loss vs. the Meralco Bolts, and he’s out for the conference.

With or without a new import, though, stretch forward Arvin Tolentino will be the main option for the Batang Pier. He’s putting up over 20 points per game in the Governor’s Cup, and he’ll look to maintain that and more for Friday’s contest. Big man Cade Flores, meanwhile, is in an exciting matchup vs. Magnolia’s Lucero. He had success in the previous meeting with 23 points, 10 boards, and three blocks, albeit a loss.

Anyone between Joshua Munzon, Jio Jalalon, Sidney Onwubere, and Fran Yu could be slated to have a productive night, most especially Munzon. It should be interesting to anticipate.

PICKS:

Spread: Northport (+11)

Over/Under: Over (203)