TITAN Ultra will look to continue its promising start in the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup in Saturday’s playdate at the Ynares Center II in Montalban, Rizal. Also sharing the limelight on is the debut games of Converge and Rain or Shine.
Here is a preview of the ball games.
TITAN ULTRA VS. CONVERGE
When: Saturday, October 11. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Montalban
Titan eyes early lead
Titan Ultra guns for the solo lead in the All-Filipino in its match against Converge. The Giant Risers had a rousing PBA debut when they won over Meralco, 100-96, on Wednesday.
Spotlight on 'Beast'
All eyes will be on Calvin Abueva after the 37-year-old exploded for 41 points in Titan Ultra’s victory. Abueva got a lot of touches in the game and went on to shoot 14-of-27 from the field.
He was all over the floor, as he also grabbed seven rebounds against the Bolts. With Converge getting the benefit of scouting the opponent, it might be difficult for Abueva to repeat his performance.
Juan GDL’s PBA debut
Saturday’s game will also mark the PBA debut of Juan Gomez de Liaño after an international career where he played in Japan, Lithuania, and Korea. The No. 2 pick in the Season 50 Draft has been impressive during the preseason with his scoring and playing alongside the Converge core of Justin Arana, Justine Baltazar, Alec Stockton, and Schonny Winston.
Converge is hopeful that Juan GDL’s preseason success will continue during the actual season.
RAIN OR SHINE VS. MERALCO
When: Saturday, October 11. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Montalban
Meralco tries to bounce back
Meralco opened the Philippine Cup with a loss to Titan Ultra. The Bolts lost despite winning the rebounds, 61-50, and second chance points, 24-10.
Rain or Shine debuts
Rain or Shine begins its 50th Season and its goal to maintain - or better yet - surpass its three semifinal appearances from last year.
The Elasto Painters maintained their core and even signed up Stanley Pringle to bring experience to the team in their bid to go deeper into the playoffs.
Maliksi struggles in return
Allein Maliksi will be among the players who will seek to atone from Wednesday’s loss. Maliksi just shot 1-of-8 from the field (1-of-5 from three-point distance) in his first appearance since playing just two games for Meralco last season.
Retirement tour begins for Gabe
The game will be the first since Gabe Norwood announced that he will be retiring at the end of the conference. Rain or Shine is expected to play inspired ball, as it is definitely wants to give Norwood a championship before he hangs his sneakers.
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