CONVERGE and Barangay Ginebra duke it out in an intriguing out-of-town game in San Fernando, Pampanga where a full house is expected in this PBA Philippine Cup clash.
Essentially, this is the first PBA game in Pampanga since the 2021 Bacolor bubble when TNT won over Magnolia on October 29, 2021 to capture the Philippine Cup crown.
That Clark bubble was played at the Angeles University Foundation Gym during that tournament, so this will be the league's first visit in a long while at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center, located in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Here’s a preview of the lone game of the day.
CONVERGE VS. BARANGAY GINEBRA
When: Saturday, May 10. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center
‘Home game’ for Converge
Converge goes up against Ginebra in what could be considered a home game of sorts for the FiberXers, whose assistant coach Dennis 'Delta' Pineda concurrently sits as Pampanga governor.
Converge head coach Franco Atienza, however, doesn’t exactly see it that way, as they battle the country’s most popular team in the Gin Kings.
Four-game winning streak sought
Converge owns a 4-2 win-loss record ahead of its match-up against Ginebra. At the same time, the FiberXers have won three in a row, including a 107-97 decision over Rain or Shine last April 30. Their winning streak will definitely be tested against the Gin Kings, runners-up over the past two conferences this season.
Seeks to go back to winning ways
Ginebra enters the Converge game on a roller-coaster with a 2-2 win-loss slate. The Gin Kings have not come up with a winning streak as of yet this conference after dropping an 89-86 loss to NLEX last Wednesday. They will look to avoid a losing streak in the contest against the FiberXers.
Holt on fire
Over the last two games, Stephen Holt has been reliable for Ginebra in scoring from the outside, combining for 7-of-14 shooting in the matches against NorthPort and NLEX.
It is something that Converge must watch out for in order to extend its win run.
Kapampangan bigs collide
There will be a battle of Kabalens in the paint on Saturday when Sasmuan’s own Japeth Aguilar faces Mabalacat product Justine Baltazar.
Though he hauled nine rebounds against NLEX, Aguilar struggled offensively when he only had seven points on 2-of-11 shooting from the field, and he will look to bounce back. Aguilar, though, will also have to contain Baltazar on the block, especially after the latter posted double-doubles in five of Converge’s six games this conferenc,e including a 13-point, 22-rebound night against Rain or Shine last April 30.
Plus, there’s also Justin Arana to deal with, as he too has had a double-double over the last five games after he had 18 points and 17 rebounds against the Elasto Painters.
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