BARANGAY Ginebra and San Miguel gun for second straight victories in the best-of-seven semifinal series of the PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
Here’s what to watch out in Game Two:
Barangay Ginebra vs. Meralco
When: Sunday, May 19. 3 p.m.
Where: Mall of Asia Arena
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
GINS EXPECT FIGHTBACK FROM BOLTS
Ginebra beat Meralco, 92-88, in Game One, but head coach Tim Cone isn’t celebrating too much as he expects a tough series against their perennial playoff rivals.
“It’s a long series. It’s a lot of games ahead of us. It’s just nice to get the first one out of the way, as it always is in a series,” said Cone.
BOLTS SHOW HUSTLE IN GAME TWO
Meralco can still feel optimistic about its chances in the semifinal series. The Bolts showed effort and hustle, outrebounding their opponent, 51-45; grabbing more second chance points, 21-12; and scoring more fastbreak points, 20-10, in Game One, and a repeat performance could lead to a win on Sunday.
DEFENSE ON C-STAN
Ginebra coach Tim Cone expects another physical night for Christian Standhardinger, who was defended by Raymond Almazan, Norbert Torres, and Brandon Bates in Game One. The Bolts were somewhat successful in their bid to contain Standhardinger, collecting 14 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists last Friday.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Chris Newsome poured 21 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists in Game One, a player that definitely needs to be contained by Ginebra for the Gins to have a better chance at gaining a 2-0 lead in the series.
Scottie Thompson still had an all-around game with eight rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks. The former PBA MVP though struggled in Game One with five points on 2-of-8 shooting from the field. The Ginebra guard is due for an explosion offensively in the series.
San Miguel vs. Rain or Shine
When: Sunday, May 19. 6:15 p.m.
Where: Mall of Asia Arena
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
GUARDING JUNE MAR
How Rain or Shine is going to guard June Mar Fajardo has been the main storyline of the series. In Game One, Beau Belga and Keith Datu were in foul trouble in the third quarter. Fajardo finished with 23 points and 11 rebounds in the series opener where the Beermen won, 101-98.
ROS NEEDS TO PLAY FAST
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao emphasized the need for the team to run at every chance and play at its usual pace. One of the league leaders in fastbreak points, the Elasto Painters only tallied 10 in Game One, just not enough for Rain or Shine to upset San Miguel in the opener.
CUTTING DOWN ON SMB'S TURNOVERS
For San Miguel, a reason why the game was close was because of its turnovers. One of the teams that give up the least turnovers in the league, the Beermen committed 16 turnovers in the close ballgame.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Andrei Caracut could be in for a bounce-back game on Sunday. The Rain or Shine guard is only averaging seven points and shooting just 5-of-21 from the field.
Jericho Cruz had a rough outing in Game One where he scored only two points and shot 1-of-8 from the field. A solid outing for Cruz will enhance San Miguel’s chance of a 2-0 lead in the series.
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