DEFENDING champion San Miguel Beer takes on dangerous Magnolia Chicken Timplados in the main game of the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City today, April 26.

The meeting will be the first between the two Commissioner's Cup Finals protagonists in the all-Filipino conference.

Game time is 7:30 p.m.

The Beermen vanquished the Hotshots, 4-2, in the import-spiced conference title series last February for its league-best 29th championship.

San Miguel remains to be the title-favorite by staying undefeated in seven games in the Philippine Cup.

Beermen coach Jorge Gallent said he has reminded his wards to stay focused on the goal of finishing the elimination round in the top 2 and snare a twice-to-beat incentive heading to the quarterfinals.

"They (Hotshots) are trying to also get the twice-to-beat advantage. I'm sure that's also in their minds so we just have to play well, do the things we have to do to beat a team like Magnolia," said Gallent, whose team plastered NorthPort, 120-100, on Sunday.

The Hotshots, meanwhile, are the second hottest squad this conference after winning their last four games to move to solo second spot in the standings with a 5-2 record behind San Miguel (7-0).

Magnolia climbed to second place after stopping Rain or Shine, 108-102, in Tiaong, Quezon last Saturday.

Veterans Mark Barroca, Ian Sangalang, Calvin Abueva and Paul Lee will again be leading the way for Magnolia, which is looking to win its first league title since conquering the 2018 Governors' Cup.

Meanwhile, Meralco and Phoenix collide at 4:30 p.m. in a battle between two squads that are fighting for dear playoff life.

The Bolts have lost their last two games, including an embarrassing 104-99 decision to Converge FiberXers, the worst team this conference.

Meralco (3-5) enters the match with a half-game advantage over Phoenix (3-6) in the team standings.

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