SAN Miguel looks to recapture its winning form on Friday when it takes on NLEX in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Beermen and the Road Warriors clash at 7 p.m.
With the Beermen holding a 2-5 win-loss record heading into the home stretch of the elimination round, San Miguel made a drastic measure by replacing Charles Rhodes, the same import who led the team to a 2017 Commissioner’s Cup crown, with former NBA player Chris McCullough.
San Miguel coach Leo Austria expressed confidence McCullough will turn things around with his versatility on the court following the Beermen’s loss to Columbian, 134-132.
Terrence Romeo could be making his Commissioner’s Cup debut on Friday as he has been participating in 5-on-5 activities in practice for the Beermen.
The Road Warriors are coming off a 100-97 win over Rain or Shine last June 28 to improve their card to 2-7. NLEX coach Yeng Guiao made it clear the team is already preparing for the Governors’ Cup with the entry of Olu Ashaolu in the team, but the Road Warriors are still looking to finish strong this conference.
In the first game, Magnolia aims to extend its winning streak to six when it goes up against Blackwater at 4:30 p.m.
Outside first placer TNT, Magnolia is the hottest team in the league, allowing the Hotshots to take third place with a 5-2 card. They beat Meralco, 99-88, last Saturday in Zamboanga City.
Blackwater, meanwhile, is in fourth place with a 5-3 record but has lost two straight games. The Elite have not played since June 22 in a 127-99 defeat against NorthPort.
During that 13-day break the Elite made an import change twice, with the team now opting for Staphon Javonnie Blair replacing Jameel McKay.
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