Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel will be out to arrange a semifinal duel, going for a sweep of their respective first round series in the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup.
Here’s the keys to Game Three:
Meralco vs. Barangay Ginebra
When: Monday, September 30. 5 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Brownlee happened in Game Two
Barangay Ginebra closed in on a semifinal berth after beating Meralco, 104-103, in Game Two last Saturday behind the heroics of Justin Brownlee, who buried a three-pointer over Allen Durham with 10 seconds left in another memorable clutch moment for the Ginebra import.
The Gin Kings will go for a sweep but it won’t be easy against a Bolts team that are fighting for their lives.
Meralco had Game Two in the bag
The Bolts were on pace to win the game and even the series. Allen Durham had a huge night with 39 points and 14 rebounds. Meralco outrebounded Ginebra, 51-33, and had more assists, 27-18. It even had more second chance points, 52-26, only to lose the match on Brownlee’s clutch shot.
READ: Missed free throws, Brownlee haunt Meralco anew
Free throws must improve for Meralco
For all the good things it did, Meralco also shot itself in the foot by missing half of their 30 free throw attempts, far from their 12-of-16 clip in Game One.
Japeth Aguilar must stay on the court
Though Ginebra won in Game Two, Japeth Aguilar didn’t play much after fouling out, finishing with 11 points and two rebounds. With Aguilar out, Justin Brownlee was forced to play center in the game where he eventually buried a clutch shot. Still, Aguilar must stay on the floor especially with their frontline depleted.
San Miguel vs. Converge
When: Monday, September 30. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
San Miguel nears sweep
The Beermen defeated the FiberXers, 102-95, to move one victory away from a semifinal appearance. EJ Anosike had 28 points and 11 rebounds, while June Mar Fajardo had 25 points and 16 rebounds in Game Two.
READ: EJ Anosike a beast as San Miguel takes 2-0 lead vs. Converge
Justin Arana a question mark
The FiberXers could play Game Three without Justin Arana, who sustained a hyperextended knee last Saturday. Even if he plays, there is still uncertainty as to whether he is 100 percent for the game.
Arana’s presence will be vital for Converge especially after going toe-to-toe with San Miguel inside, resulting to the FiberXers even winning the battle in the points in the paint, 62-50.
Stockton must step up in Game Three
Alec Stockton has been a roller coaster in the series as he only had five points on 2-of-7 shooting from the field in Game Two, after going 14 in the opener. With Converge on the brink of elimination, Stockton must be in his best on Monday.
Outside shots will be the difference
Despite winning Game Two, the Beermen weren’t consistent from the outside going 5-of-20 from threes, although they also hit 2-of-3 from fours.
The FiberXers didn’t take advantage by going 6-of-22 from threes and 0-for-4 from fours. Jalen Jones only hit 1-of-6 from threes in Game Two, and the shooting must improve for both teams in order to win Game Three.
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