ANOTHER brand-new week in the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup begins on Tuesday with Blackwater looking for another win after its stunning victory against Barangay Ginebra, which, in turn, is eager to bounce back from that loss.
Here are the teams that Blackwater and Barangay Ginebra will be facing.
Blackwater vs. Phoenix
When: Tuesday, September 3, 5 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
George King vies for win No. 2
Blackwater is eyeing a second straight win after an auspicious start for new import George King, who tallied 33 points and 19 rebounds in its 95-88 win over Ginebra last Friday. King's spectacular outing ended Blackwater’s import woes that led to three straight defeats to open the season. A second win would definitely further prove that King is for real.
Can new import deliver a win for Phoenix?
It seems like the import woes has shifted to Phoenix after it replaced the underwhelming Jayveous McKinnis after two games. And similar to what happened to Blackwater, Phoenix played without an import in its third game because Le’Bryan Nash was found over the height limit, sending the Fuel Masters to a 116-99 defeat to Rain or Shine last Friday.
Consistent play from Sedrick Barefield
Sedrick Barefield is arguably the best rookie so far this season, with an average of 15.8 points through four games. Barefield made the biggest shot of his young career - a three pointer in the final seconds of the Bossing’s win over the Gin Kings. A similar performance from Barefield now that they have a very good import would increase the chances of another Blackwater victory.
NLEX vs. Barangay Ginebra
When: Tuesday, September 3. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
Going for another win against SMC team
NLEX got a boost in its campaign in the group stage, beating San Miguel, 112-108, in overtime last Saturday in Cagayan De Oro City to improve to 3-1 win-loss. So far, new head coach Jong Uichico is off to a good start, and another win against a team he once coached in Ginebra will be another excellent step to its title bid.
Ginebra out to regain winning ways
Barangay Ginebra has been up-and-down this conference as it lost to Blackwater after a 51-point night by Justin Brownlee against San Miguel exactly one week ago. With a 1-2 win-loss slate, the last thind the Gin Kings need is another loss to NLEX.
Bench production
The Road Warriors got 34 points from the bench during their win against San Miguel. The Gin Kings, on the other hand, are only averaging 11 points from the bench over the past three games. Bench production will play a role on which team will win on Tuesday.
Players to watch
NLEX is getting a welcome contribution from Michael Miranda, who has become a consistent weapon offensively. On Saturday, Miranda had 17 points off the bench, nailing two threes and one four in the win over San Miguel.
Stephen Holt has been inconsistent for Barangay Ginebra, with the reigning Rookie of the Year tallying just five points against Blackwater last Friday.
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