The race to the quarterfinals continues to heat up as Rain or Shine and Magnolia, two teams that have inside track for the playoff spot, battle separate foes in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday, Sept 17.

The Elasto Painters not only aim to get back on the winning track in Group B but are also seeking an assured place in the quarterfinals when they take on the NLEX Road Warriors in the opening game at 5 p.m.

Likewise, the Hotshots are hoping to boost their bid for the next round in Group A when they test their mettle against the group pacesetter TNT Tropang Giga in the main event at 7:30 p.m.

Rain or Shine is not crying over spilled paint after failing to clinch a quarters spot in its first try and instead now looking to show they have the character and poise to recover from a 124-102 defeat at the hands of Barangay Ginebra last Friday, Sept. 13.

Of course, confidence is on the side of the Elasto Painters who defeated the Road Warriors, 124-105, in the first round meeting.

Jhonard Clarito and import Aaron Fuller led the balanced attack of ROS in that contest – something that was missing in their last game.

NLEX, however, is motivated to perform well especially with new reinforcement in Dequan Jones in lieu of Myke Henry and newly acquired Javee Mocon from Phoenix.

The Road Warriors, for one, are also looking to, not only arrest a three-game skid but most importantly, solidify their spot inside the Top 4 and create separation against fellow playoff chasing Blackwater and Phoenix. 

Meanwhile in the second game, Magnolia is hoping that an additional four days with new import Shabazz Muhammad be enough to develop the team chemistry after barely escaping also-ran Terrafirma, 99-98, last time out.

How well Muhammad has blended with guys like Paul Lee, Zav Lucero and Mark Barroca will face a tough test against a solid Tropang Giga who have remained a potent force with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

TNT is currently one of the hottest teams, along with San Miguel from the other group, with a four-game winning run. 

Guys like Calvin Oftana, Jayson Castro and returning Kelly Williams all proved to be a formidable force for TNT especially during its 108-99 triumph over second-running Meralco last week.