Magnolia is back on its full strength when it tries to preserve its perfect record against arch-nemesis Barangay Ginebra in what is seen to be another epic installment of their Manila Clasico rivalry in the 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, Oct. 23.

Sitting atop the standings with a clean 5-0 slate despite dealing with a slew of injuries to their key players, the Hotshots look to assert their mastery of the Gin Kings who they beat in their lone match in the Philippine Cup, 89-84, come their 6:45 p.m. collision.

A fitting appetizer to the classic showdown is the clash between NLEX and San Miguel at 4:30 p.m.

Magnolia, which leaned on the impressive guard play anchored on its three-headed backcourt of Paul Lee, Mark Barocca and Jio Jalalon along with the stellar showing of import Nick Rakocevic, just got stronger with the return to full health of Ian Sangalang and Rome Dela Rosa.

The two were out of commission for two games due to typhoid fever and had seen some playing time to shake off the rust in their 109-91 victory over NorthPort last week.

"Coach (Chito) is just building them up. Just like in anything, while we have goals, what is important is the growth. So nakikita natin yung growth ni Ian and Rome, bumabalik na,” said Magnolia assistant coach Jason Webb.

“Coach Chito really did a good job of limiting the minutes of Ian and Rome, but, at the same time, allowing them to get a feel of the game. Remember, they missed two games,” he added.

The two’s return surely added teeth to Magnolia’s dreaded defense especially against the Gin Kings who also ramped up with its weapons since the addition of Von Pessumal, Jamie Malonzo and the return of resident import Justin Brownlee.

“We're going to lean on both of them heavily, especially Rome on the defensive end, and Ian on both defensive end and offense. Binubuo lang ni coach yung minutes nila, and babalik din yun sa dati,” said Webb.

Ginebra though hasn’t lived up to the expectations, playing sloppy ball so far as after taking down Bay Area with an emphatic 111-93 victory fell to its knees against Phoenix, 101-93.

Stanley Pringle had his best game so far in the conference in that loss with 25 points although head coach Tim Cone will need more from his charges especially Japeth Aguilar, LA Tenorio and reigning MVP Scottie Thompson if they wish to put the first dent on Magnolia’s armor.

Meanwhile in the opening game, NLEX aims to score its first back-to-back wins under new head coach Frankie Lim against the sliding San Miguel Beer.

The Road Warriors rode the broad back of import Earl Clark who fired 45 points to help NLEX pull the rug from under TNT and arrest a two-game slide. In contrary to the Beermen, continued to struggle with its import situation as the arrival of new import Devon Scott couldn’t help them avoid from falling to a 1-3 win-loss slate despite 20-point explosions from Mo Tautuaa and CJ Perez