BLACKWATER begins its tough bid to make it to playoffs, while Terrafirma is out to end its PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup campaign with another upset.
Here’s a preview of the Saturday doubleheader.
Blackwater vs. San Miguel
When: Saturday, September 21. 5 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
Playoff hopes slowly slipping away
Blackwater is in a critical game against San Miguel on Saturday as it is already in a must-win situation in a bid to advance to the quarterfinals following NLEX’s win over Phoenix, 104-79, last Friday. The Bossing must sweep their remaining two assignments, with the Road Warriors losing against Barangay Ginebra on Sunday to progress to the next round.
Still in contention for No. 1
San Miguel was defeated by Rain or Shine, 122-112, during Thursday’s match-up to drop to second place with a 6-3 win-loss slate. The Beermen though still have a shot at the top-seed even with the defeat, although a lot of situations must happen first before it happens. But first, it must win over Blackwater on Saturday.
Jordan Adams injury situation
The Beermen could be facing the possibility of Jordan Adams not playing a hundred percent after suffering a hamstring injury during their loss to Rain or Shine. Whether Adams will be in peak health or not, San Miguel remains formidable with its stacked roster.
READ: Jordan Adams strains hamstring late in SMB loss to RoS
Blackwater must watch out for June Mar
June Mar Fajardo could be in for a bounce-back game after his performance against Rain or Shine where he had 14 points and failed to make a trip to foul line. Blackwater bigs must double their effort to avoid that situation from happening.
Terrafirma vs. Meralco
When: Saturday, September 21. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
Play the spoiler’s role
Terrafirma is out to end its conference with a bang by winning back-to-back games after denying TNT with an 84-72 victory. Antonio Hester and Stanley Pringle, who combined for 40 points in the win, are expected to be once again in the forefront in their upset bid against Meralco and improve on their 1-8 record.
READ: Pringle, Terrafirma finally break through at expense of league-leading TNT
Out to regain winning ways before entering the playoffs
Meralco will try to get its rhythm back ahead of the quarterfinals after it was defeated by Converge, 105-97, last Wednesday to go down to 6-3. The win is key more so since it is likely that the Bolts will face their perennial finals rival Barangay Ginebra in the quarterfinals.
Rookie watch
Two rookies that have been producing this conference will be in action in CJ Cansino and Paolo Hernandez. Cansino, the No. 11 pick in this season’s draft, had a good outing against Converge when he collected 21 points, six rebounds, and two steals. Hernandez, the No. 22 selection, had an all-around game against TNT where he had six points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
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.
