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TNT has put Magnolia on the ropes and is now just a step closer to booking a return trip to the PBA Philippine Cup finals.

The Tropang Giga are now bracing for their toughest game yet but have also given the Hotshots lots of problem and so little time to come up with answers in order to at least extend their semifinals duel Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Back-to-back wins gave TNT a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series and would like nothing more than to close out the series against the same team it beat in last year’s championship series.

Game time is 3 p.m.

Coach Chot Reyes knows they are about to have their hands full. “There’s nothing much to be said,” he quipped following his Tropa’s 102-84 win just last Wednesday that was in stark contrast to their 93-92 squeaker in Game 3.

“They know the most difficult win to get in any series is the No. 4 (win),” added Reyes. “We have to be extra ready for it.”

Such determination is sure to be equaled by Magnolia. But first, the Hotshots need to solve some issues, foremost of which is playing their usual tenacious defense without being whistled for fouls.