A PLAYER facing his old team, and a team looking to avenge a shocking loss are the storylines of Wednesday’s PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup playdate at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Here's the preview of what’s in store for PBA fans on this rainy Wednesday.
Converge vs. Meralco
When: Wednesday, September 4, 5 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
Where the teams stand
Meralco, holding a share of first place with idle TNT with a 3-1 win-loss record, is going for the solo lead in Group A in the match. Converge is in the middle of the pack, in a three-team logjam with Magnolia and NorthPort on 2-2 win-loss records.
Out to avenge
Meralco’s last game against Converge was something the Bolts would rather forget (or not). Last April 21, the FiberXers pulled off an upset, ending a 12-game losing streak to beat the Bolts, 104-99, in the Philippine Cup. The loss, however, proved to be a turning point for Meralco, who went on to win five straight games to reach the semifinals and eventually capture their first-ever PBA crown. A win by Meralco would give them a measure of revenge against Converge.
Players back to form
After being a non-factor on offense by averaging just 5.5 points per outing, Alec Stockton regained his form with 19 points but Converge still lost to NorthPort, 135-109, following Arvin Tolentino’s 51-point night last Thursday.
Allen Durham looks to be already in his usual form from the time where he won three PBA Best Imports after he registered 34 points, 16 rebounds, and nine assists in Meralco’s 109-99 win over NorthPort last Sunday.
NorthPort vs. Magnolia
When: Wednesday, September 4, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
Where the teams stand
NorthPort and Magnolia are currently in a share of third place in Group A on similar 2-2 win-loss records to close the first half of the elimination round.
Jio Jalalon faces old team
After playing for six years with Magnolia, Jio Jalalon will be going up against the Hotshots for the first time in Wednesday’s game. It was with the Hotshots where Jalalon won his first and, so far, only PBA crown while also copping several individual awards such as All-Star appearances, All-Defensive Team, and Defensive Player of the Year distinctions.
Jerrick’s 4-point proficiency
Magnolia has found a huge weapon in Jerrick Ahanmisi, who has been hitting the fours on a consistent basis. In their 124-103 win over Terrafirma, Ahanmisi nailed 4-of-8 from the second arc on his way to a 24-point night. NorthPort must contain Ahanmisi’s outside shooting to have a shot at the win.
Import watch
Glenn Robinson III showed an outstanding effort last Sunday when he produced 20 points and a team-high 13 rebounds in Magnolia’s win over Terrafirma.
In contrast, Venky Jois has only averaged six points in his last two games, and grabbed only five rebounds in NorthPort’s loss to Meralco last Sunday.
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