CONVERGE and NorthPort play separate opponents in crucial matches with playoff implications in the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Here’s a preview of the doubleheader:
NorthPort vs. Meralco
When: Saturday, September 14. 5 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
Out to regain their footing
NorthPort and Meralco are coming off defeats entering Saturday’s tussle. The Batang Pier bowed to Converge, 107-99, last Wednesday to go down to a share of fourth place in Group A, while the Bolts were beaten by TNT, 108-99, last Thursday to drop to second place in the group stage.
Chase for playoff spot intensify
With its loss in their last game, NorthPort is tied with Converge for fourth place with a 3-4 record with three games remaining in the group stage. The Batang Pier wrap up pool play with matches against Meralco, Magnolia, and TNT, all of which are ahead of them in the team standings.
Free throw shooting
Converge made a tactical decision to force Venky Jois to shoot free throws and it paid off with the NorthPort import shooting a miserable 12-of-27 from the foul line in perhaps a bid for the FiberXers to neutralize the running game of the Batang Pier. Will we see another similar strategy by the Bolts?
Defending the running game
In facing NorthPort, Meralco must neutralize the running game of the Batang Pier that have been one of their weapons. In their game against TNT, Meralco gave up 21 fastbreak points, certainly not part of the personality of the defensive-minded Bolts.
Converge vs. Terrafirma
When: Saturday, September 14. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
Can Terrafirma play the spoilers’ role?
With Converge in joint fourth with NorthPort, the FiberXers are in a must-win against winless Terrafirma in the headliner of Saturday’s doubleheader. The Dyip played their best game of the conference despite going down to 0-7 when they lost to Magnolia by just a point, 99-98, on a winning shot by Shabazz Muhammad.
Will Converge play with an import?
In their game against Terrafirma, Converge is facing the prospects of playing without an import after signing Jalen Jones as an import in lieu of Scotty Hopson, who has an injury. Jones, however, arrived in the morning of the game and is doubtful to play for Saturday’s game. With Jones’ readiness in question, it is still not clear whether Hopson will play or Converge will opt to go with an all-Filipino line-up against Terrafirma.
Players to watch
Schonny Winston has been playing a big role for Converge in his sophomore season. Winston had 17 points and nine rebounds, while draining a crucial basket in the end game in their win over NorthPort.
Kevin Ferrer nearly played a hero’s role for Terrafirma in its defeat against Magnolia when he finished with 18 points, making the most out of the opportunity upon his return from one-year absence due to an ACL injury.
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