For the first time in a long while, Zamboanga City will serve as a PBA battleground as Magnolia stakes its perfect slate against Phoenix in the first out-of-town game of the Season 49 Philippine Cup on Saturday, April 26.

Tip-off of the clash is at 7:30 p.m. with fans expected to come in droves at the Zamboanga City Coliseum.

Of course, all eyes should be on the hometown heroes in Mark Barroca of the Hotshots and RR Garcia of the the Fuel Masters although the stars of their respective team are also expected to come out with their A-game to delight the crowd.

For one, Magnolia surely won’t allow its perfect 3-0 start to the conference be tarnished, especially after coming off a morale-boosting 98-95 victory over powerhouse San Miguel last time out.

The old hands and the young guns of head coach Chito Victolero also seemed to be playing good music together with guys like Zav Lucero, Peter Alfaro and Jerom Lastimosa providing solid contributions while veterans Barroca, Paul Lee and Ian Sangalang are making sure to deliver the goods when it’s winning time.

Barroca, who fired 0-of-8 in regulation, even had two big baskets late in overtime to bring the Hotshots home.

Among the Hotshots, though, it is Lucero who seemed to be having a breakout conference after averaging 21 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.67 assists and 1.3 blocks through three games.

He, however, will surely be tested against Jason Perkins, whose return from flu helped the Fuel Masters notch their first win this conference – a 109-97 dismantling of defending champion Meralco to improve to a 1-2 record.

Tyler Tio should also be at the forefront of the attack for Phoenix with other young guns in Ricci Rivero, Ken Tuffin and Kai Ballungay expected to provide the lift the wards of Jamike Jarin need.