WEEK 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup begins with the potential return of Kevin Alas for NLEX and the debut of Juami Tiongson for San Miguel.
Here’s a preview of the match.
TERRAFIRMA VS. NLEX
When: Tuesday, December 3. 5 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Kevin Alas scheduled to come back
NLEX is slated to get a major boost with Kevin Alas set to return for Tuesday’s game, as he himself confirmed to SPIN.ph.
“Next game laro na ako,” said Alas after NLEX’s 107-95 win over Blackwater last Saturday. “It’s a blessing kasi matagal din ‘yung pahinga. So praise God na nakabalik na. Excited na uli ako makalaro.”
Alas missed the first two games of the Road Warriors, but his absence was planned as NLEX and Alas wanted a full year gap between his first game back from the time he sustained a third ACL.
Bolick back to his usual ways
Robert Bolick got back to his old form last Saturday against Blackwater when he had 23 points and 10 assists, after his opening game saw him score a career-low three points on 1-for-11 shooting from the field.
NLEX coach Jong Uichico actually took the blame for Bolick’s bad shooting game in their first outing.
“It’s my fault. Kasalanan ko ‘yan why hindi siya nakakuha ng rhythm niya. It’s not his fault. But it was, feel, experiment (with the combinations). But now, Berto is in his normal comfort zone. Nakakuha siya ng rhythm.”
Bolick will be teaming up with Kevin Alas for the first time in an NLEX uniform for this contest.
Dyip seek to break slump
Terrafirma is out to end a two-game slide after it suffered a 113-101 loss to NorthPort last Saturday. Vic Manuel started playing for the Dyip and had 23 points and five rebounds, but it wasn’t enough. If it wants to take its first win, Terrafirma must get a better showing from import Ryan Richards, who only played for one second in the previous game due to a back injury.
SAN MIGUEL VS. PHOENIX
When: Tuesday, December 3. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Juami Tiongson debuts for San Miguel
The Beermen play their first game of the Commissioner’s Cup with the match-up against the Fuelmasters. Making their debut in a San Miguel uniform are Tiongson and Drei Cahilig following a blockbuster trade with Terrafirma for Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel. Tiongson is coming off an injury-riddled stint with the Dyip during the Governors’ Cup.
SMB goes with Quincy Miller
The Beermen are parading Quincy Miller for the Commissioner’s Cup. San Miguel previously brought in former G League player Troy Baxter, but SPIN.ph learned that Baxter is no longer in the country, with the Beermen going for Miller, who is also playing for the team in the EASL.
Phoenix goes for upset
The Fuelmasters came close to pulling off their first win, but fell victim to Meralco, 111-109, last Friday on a game-winning shot by Akil Mitchell. Phoenix appeared to have the win in the bag already after leading by as many as 23 points only to falter in the end. Phoenix will look to finally claim a win against San Miguel.
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