BARANGAY Ginebra and Rain or Shine battle each other for the first time after their PBA 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup semifinals that was memorable in more ways than one.
Also on the schedule in Sunday’s Governors’ Cup action is the clash between the two remaining undefeated teams in NLEX and San Miguel.
Read our preview.
NLEX VS. SAN MIGUEL
When: Sunday, July 26. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Unbeaten teams duel
NLEX and San Miguel part ways when the two undefeated squads go for the solo lead in Group A. Both teams started the conference with a bang, winning their first three games, and they look to stretch that winning streak at the expense of each other.
NLEX’s first three wins were against Macau, Terrafirma, and Titan Ultra, with this game serving as another acid test.
After wins over Macau and Terrafirma, San Miguel continues its stretch of games against projected contenders in Group B. The Beermen passed the initial test with a win over Converge, 128-122, in their previous game last Wednesday.
Long break a double-edged sword
After defeating Titan Ultra, 135-100, last July 14, NLEX plays for the first time after 12 days. The Road Warriors played their first three games in a span of five days, with the long break in between games a chance to recuperate.
At the same time, the respite could cause rust to NLEX, not exactly what it needs against the reigning Philippine Cup champions. Regardless, the Road Warriors must pass this test if they have aspirations to go deeper.
Containing George King
How George King will perform could determine the result of the game between San Miguel and NLEX. King has been marvelous to start the conference, averaging 36.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.3 steals, and one block. In their most recent game against Converge, King lit up with 41 points and 11 rebounds.
BARANGAY GINEBRA VS. RAIN OR SHINE
When: Sunday, July 26. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Comm's Cup semis rematch
Ginebra and Rain or Shine meet anew in a marquee match-up in Group B. The two fought it out during the last conference, with the Gin Kings winning the series, 4-2.
Both teams look to catch up with the leaders after slow starts to the conference. Ginebra just came from picking up its first win, beating Blackwater in a rout, 115-85. Don’t expect that to happen against the Elasto Painters, who recently got into the win column after two straight defeats, overcoming Phoenix Super LPG, 105-98, last Tuesday.
Who are stepping up after Mamu trade
During their semifinal contest against Ginebra, Gian Mamuyac was one of the players who shone for Rain or Shine with a team-third-best 15.2 points, all while defending the Gin Kings' guards. Mamuyac is no longer an Elasto Painter after being traded to the Fuel Masters - and it will now be up to the others to step up.
So far, Deo Cuajao and Mike Malonzo are among the players who are taking advantage of additional opportunities. Cuajao made 19 points on 3-of-6 shooting from the field against Meralco, while Malonzo had 12 points, six rebounds, and three assists against Phoenix.
Ginebra in full force on defense
While eight players scored in double-figures in their last game, Ginebra’s 30-point win over Blackwater was a result of excellent defense. The Gin Kings forced the Bossing to shoot just 39-percent from the field, their lowest this conference.
Ginebra also had nine blocks, with Japeth Aguilar leading the way with five. The Gin Kings will need the same effort against Rain or Shine.
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