Winless Blackwater looking to upset frontrunner Magnolia in bid to end season on high note

The struggling Blackwater Bossing will have a chance to put an end to its 29-game losing skid, which dates back to the 2020 Philippine Cup, when they march into thier final elimination round game in the PBA Governors' Cup on Wednesday.

"We will treat this game as an opportunity to at least end the season on a winning note," said Blackwater head coach Ariel Vanguardia in a message to GMA News Online.

But it won't be anything close to easy as that match will be against the league-leading Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots.

Magnolia is currently on a roll, winning all of its three previous games against Alaska, Meralco, and San Miguel for an impressive 9-1 win-loss card to sit atop the team standings.

The Hotshots, led by import Mike Harris as well as a talented cast of locals including Jio Jalalon, Mark Barroca, Paul Lee, Ian Sangalang, and Calvin Abueva, are also assured of a twice-to-beat playoff incentive.

Blackwater, meanwhile, remains winless in the season-ending conference for a 0-10 slate and the Bossing hope to barge into the win column by upsetting the Hotshots in their 6 p.m. clash.

The result of the game will have no bearing on the two teams' campaigns. Magnolia is merely awaiting the final placing of the teams to determine its quarterfinals opponent while Blackwater had already been eliminated.

But still, Vanguardia is hoping that his wards will not go out without a fight.

"Anything is possible. We went through our game plan today and expect the team to execute it."

—JMB, GMA News