AN explosive rematch is set to start the week featuring Blackwater against Barangay Ginebra as the main storyline of Tuesday’s PBA Governors’ Cup showdown at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The other match will pit Group B leader Rain or Shine versus cellar-dweller Phoenix.
Here’s what you need to know about the doubleheader:
Phoenix vs. Rain or Shine
When: Tuesday, September 10, 5 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
Top vs. bottom
Rain or Shine is on top of Group B with a 4-1 win-loss record, while Phoenix is 0-5. The Elasto Painters hold a one-game lead over Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel, so a win is important. On the other hand, time appears to be running out for the Fuelmasters as they are two-and-a-half games behind fourth-running Blackwater and NLEX.
Seeking to return to winning ways
The Elasto Painters are fresh from absorbing a 113-112 defeat against San Miguel last Thursday, their first loss after going 4-0 to start the conference. It could have been 5-0 after they took the lead on four free throws by Felix Lemetti with three seconds left, but June Mar Fajardo beat the buzzer to deny the Elasto Painters their fifth straight win.
Lemetti impact
Felix Lemetti continues to prove that he is the steal of the draft. Lemetti finished with 28 points on 7-of-11 from the field to lead Rain or Shine in scoring. He also made five out of six three pointers against the Beermen.
Local support
Phoenix’s new import Brandone Francis has been buckets for the team by averaging 38.5 points but still longing for local support. RR Garcia had 17 points, including two fours, but only Jason Perkins was the other local player who scored in double digits.
Blackwater vs. Barangay Ginebra
When: Tuesday, September 10. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
Rematch
Blackwater and Barangay Ginebra are playing each other again after their thrilling first round encounter that saw the Bossing squeaking out a 95-88 win over the Gin Kings last August 30. George King, in his first game, had 33 points and 19 rebounds, while Sedrick Barefield highlighted the win by draining a four-pointer. The rematch promises to be juicy.
Where teams stand
Barangay Ginebra is in joint second with San Miguel in Group A with a 3-2 record, while Blackwater is not far behind, tying NLEX at fourth with a 3-3 slate.
Containing King, Barefield
The defense against George King and Sedrick Barefield will be the key for Ginebra in the game against Blackwater. The one-two punch of Blackwater has been terrific. The duo combined for 76 points in the Bossing’s 123-111 win over Phoenix last September 3.
Holt getting better and better
Stephen Holt is starting to get his rhythm with Barangay Ginebra, averaging 22.5 points over the past two games, while also doing his job on defense. His role will be key in containing George King and Sedrick Barefield.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
