CONVERGE will look to go up the ranks as three teams on the bubble will try to strengthen their bids for quarterfinal spots in PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup action at the Ynares Center.
CONVERGE VS. BLACKWATER
When: Sunday, January 19. 5 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center
Converge guns for solo second
Converge seeks to claim second place in what has been a tight contest for quarterfinal seedings in its match-up against Blackwater. The FiberXers have won five of their last six games - the last a 103-96 win over Rain or Shine last Tuesday.
Blackwater looks to keep flickering quarterfinal hopes alive
Blackwater improved to 2-7 after it defeated Terrafirma, 96-86, last Wednesday. Even at 12th place in the standings, the Bossing still have a shot at a quarterfinal spot, and a win will enhance their chance at making it though their fortunes are no longer in their hands with San Miguel (4-5) at eighth place.
RK Ilagan in line for return
Blackwater is expected to get a boost at the guard position as RK Ilagan is now eligible to play after being elevated to the active roster following an injury. Ilagan has missed the last three games, and in his last appearance, he scored 19 points in a loss to TNT last December 19.
PHOENIX VS. NLEX
When: Sunday, January 19. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center
Chasing quarterfinals berths
Phoenix and NLEX battle it out in Sunday’s main game with both teams looking to make it to the quarterfinals. The Fuelmasters and the Road Warriors share 10th place with a 3-6 win-loss record, and the winner will join Magnolia up a notch in the race for playoff spots.
Bounce back from defeats
One team is going to atone from their defeat in their previous game. The Fuelmasters were defeated by Magnolia, 110-104, last Thursday. The Road Warriors were outplayed by TNT, 94-87, last Wednesday.
Road Warriors out to break slump
NLEX has lost five straight games despite the stellar play of import Mike Watkins, who is leading the statistical race for the Best Import award. The Road Warriors lost to TNT even though they were ahead by four points entering the fourth quarter.
Controlling the boards
The team which grabs the most rebounds in this game could be the one which will have the edge. Watkins has been a beast for NLEX inside, grabbing an average of 23.3 rebounds, a big reason why he is leading the statistical race for the Best Import plum. Phoenix must double its effort especially after grabbing only 33 rebounds against Magnolia, their conference low.
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