CALVIN Abueva will be making a comeback on Friday when Titan Ultra goes up against TNT in the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center-Antipolo.
Following defeats in their previous games, Blackwater and Rain or Shine will look to get back to their winning ways in their match-up.
Here are some keys in Friday’s doubleheader.
BLACKWATER VS. RAIN OR SHINE
When: Friday, October 24. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Seeking bounce back win
Blackwater and Rain or Shine square off after coming from losses, with the Bossing being defeated by Meralco, 105-96, last October 15, and the Elasto Painters being routed by San Miguel, 111-93, last October 19.
David, Panopio struggle in previous game
Christian David and Dalph Panopio had an off night in their last outing against Meralco. Although he had six rebounds and five assists, David only had seven points, a far cry from his 24-point outing against Terrafirma. Panopio also misfired when he shot 1-of-10 from the field for two points after going 13 in his PBA debut.
Shooting slump for Rain or Shine
The Elasto Painters struggled to buy a basket in their game against San Miguel after going 29-of-90 from the field.
That included a 9-of-48 clip from three-point range. The shooting woes contributed to the lackluster first half where Rain or Shine only scored 19 in the first quarter and 15 in the second.
TNT VS. TITAN ULTRA
When: Friday, October 24. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
TNT vies for solo lead
TNT battles Titan Ultra with a chance at building a winning streak following its 110-103 victory over Converge last Saturday in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. A win will move the Tropang 5G past Magnolia, Converge, and NLEX for the lead in the team standings.
Calvin Abueva returns
Abueva is set to return to action, with head coach John Cardel confirming hours before the match-up that Abueva will be suiting up. He missed their 127-119 loss to Magnolia last October 17 due to a hamstring injury he sustained early in their game against Converge last October 11.
Abueva was sorely missed, as Joshua Munzon was left to carry the load when he scored 28 points in the defeat.
Titan must hold TNT’s shooting
For Titan Ultra to have a chance to win, the Giant Risers must contain the three-point shooting of the Tropang 5G after the latter made 20 in the game against the FiberXers in Vigan. Titan Ultra has given up an average of 126 points over the last two games.
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