AN import makes a comeback in the PBA on Sunday, as San Miguel gives NLEX a test in their clash in the 50th Season Commissioner's Cup.
That game and a few things to watch in the other match-up of the Antipolo double-header in this preview.
NLEX VS. SAN MIGUEL
When: Sunday, April 19. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Boatwright returns
Sunday’s game will mark the return of Bennie Boatwright with the Beermen. Boatwright comes back to San Miguel after Justin Patton failed to show up during their previous game against Magnolia where they lost, 120-101, to go down to 3-4. Little to no adjustment is expected for Boatwright, having led SMB to the 48th Season Commissioner’s Cup crown.
Extend winning streak
NLEX (6-1) is aiming to stay in second place and move even closer to league-leader Rain or Shine (7-0).
The Road Warriors are coming off a massive overtime win over Meralco, 104-101, with L-Jay Gonzales drilling a buzzer-beating three-point shot.
Lalanne anchors NLEX
Prior to the heroics of Gonzales and Robert Bolick, Cady Lalanne put NLEX on his shoulders before finishing with 34 points and 25 rebounds in the Road Warriors' overtime win and proving once again that he is a great. Lalanne will try to repeat his play against much-tougher opposition in Boatwright and June Mar Fajardo.
MAGNOLIA VS. CONVERGE
When: Sunday, April 19. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Who win will back-to-back games
Magnolia (3-4) and Converge (2-5) battle each other and their quest is to each extend their winning ways. The Hotshots beat San Miguel, 120-101, while the FiberXers won over Titan Ultra, 103-82, to finally end a five-game losing streak.
Abueva faces old team
For the second consecutive game, Calvin Abueva will be facing his former team when Converge tackles Magnolia. Prior to his stay with NorthPort/Titan Ultra, Abueva played for the Hotshots and enjoyed much success, winning the Best Player of the Conference award during the 2021 Philippine Cup.
Against the Giant Risers, Abueva played his best game as a FiberXer, contributing 14 points and five rebounds. Will he do it again?
Chapman posts huge numbers
Clint Chapman has been a big boost for the Hotshots since he came over to replace Nuni Omot. Chapman had 34 points and six rebounds against San Miguel, and is now averaging 29.75 points and 10.5 rebounds. Kylor Kelley, Justine Baltazar, and Justin Arana will have to do double effort to contain Chapman.
Arana shows consistency
Arana looks to be back to his old ways after his play against Titan Ultra. The one half of the 'Jus-Twin Towers' had 19 points, two rebounds, and three assists, showing consistency for the first time this conference after he had 16 points and five rebounds against Rain or Shine. Arana will have a say on the result of Sunday's game.
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