Magnolia secured the first quarterfinals seat in the PBA Philippine Cup after a 106-97 comeback victory against Northport at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur. A strong fourth-quarter performance, led by Paul Lee, propelled the Hotshots into the playoffs. With this win, coach Chito Victolero's team improved their record to 7-1, surpassing NLEX for the top spot in the standings.

This victory also served as redemption for Magnolia following their 119-105 defeat to Rain or Shine the previous week. Meanwhile, Northport's losing streak extended to five games, leaving them with a 1-6 record. Despite holding an 85-83 lead early in the final quarter, the Batang Pier couldn't withstand the Hotshots' decisive surge, fueled by Lee's scoring.

One key point of discussion revolves around Will Arvin Tolentino's future with Northport. His absence from the game in Candon has fueled speculation about his departure for the Korean Basketball League. Tolentino's absence, attributed to a hip flexor injury, has coincided with the team's decline. With Northport facing TNT, Phoenix, NLEX, and San Miguel in their remaining games, it remains uncertain whether Tolentino will have a final appearance with the team.

Another notable incident involved Magnolia's big man, Lucero, who was involved in a heated exchange with Sidney Onwubere. This occurred with only 29 seconds left in the game and Magnolia leading comfortably, 106-97. The confrontation began when Onwubere fouled Lucero, who responded by sarcastically applauding the call. Onwubere retaliated by pushing Lucero, prompting Aris Dionisio to intervene. Technical fouls were assessed to both Onwubere and Dionisio, preventing a more serious altercation.

Magnolia's early qualification for the quarterfinals, where the top four teams gain a twice-to-beat advantage, positions them as strong contenders. However, past campaigns where Magnolia started strong have often fallen short. Fans hope that this year will be different and that the Hotshots can maintain their form throughout the playoffs, ultimately securing the championship.