SEPTEMBER opens with a PBA Governors’ Cup doubleheader at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium that will see two teams trying to break out of a slump, and the two other squads eyeing to extend their winning ways.
Magnolia vs. Terrafirma
When: Sunday, September 1, 5 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
Cellar dwellers go at it
In more ways than one, only a few would expect Magnolia keeping Terrafirma company at the bottom of the standings. The Hotshots are off to a rough start in Group A with a 1-2 win-loss record amid high hopes on their import Glenn Robinson III (more of that later). Though it pulled off a controversial trade during the offseason, some might still find it as a surprise that the Dyip have been losing by an average of 22.3 points despite a roster that remains competitive on paper.
Antonio Hester faces former team
One of the sidelights of the game is Terrafirma import Antonio Hester playing against Magnolia, his former team. Though he started his career with the Dyip, Hester served as the Hotshots import during the 2023 Governors’ Cup where he helped his team reach the quarterfinals before bowing to Meralco.
Off night for Juami Tiongson
The PBA’s Second Mythical Team member for the 48th season is off to an inconsistent start, and it showed in Terrafirma’s loss to Meralco where Tiongson shot just 2-of-12 from the field - and 1-of-5 from three and four-point range. Sunday could be a perfect time for Tiongson to get out of the funk.
Judgment day for Robinson?
Highly-touted Glenn Robinson III produced decent numbers of 19 points and 15 rebounds in Magnolia’s loss to TNT, but still not enough for a PBA import that is expected to contribute in a major way. Coach Chito Victolero said they are not considering replacing Robinson even with a 1-2 start. That could change if the Hotshots lose again.
Meralco vs. NorthPort
When: Sunday, September 1, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
Going for a share of lead
Meralco and NorthPort hold similar 2-1 win-loss records and a victory would result in a tie with TNT in Group A. The Bolts beat Terrafirma, 107-91, last Wednesday, while the Batang Pier outclassed Converge, 135-109, last Thursday.
NorthPort after Arvin’s 51 piece
The game will be the first time for NorthPort since Arvin Tolentino scored a career-high 51 points, the first player since GlobalPort’s Stanley Pringle in 2018 to breach the 50-point barrier. With the Meralco defense expected to be determined not to allow Tolentino to get confidence in his offense again, other NorthPort players must step up.
Meralco starts busy schedule
The Bolts begin a three-game, six-day stretch with the game against the Batang Pier which could prove to be crucial to their Governors’ Cup campaign. So important is this coming stretch that Meralco decided to rest Chris Newsome against Terrafirma after he sustained a sprained left knee and ankle against the TNT game. Newsome was in uniform but didn’t see action for the Bolts for the specific reason of the three games for the upcoming week.
Real AD is back?
Meralco has been waiting for a fully-fit Allen Durham, and looks like he is now heading in that direction. The three-time Best Import dominated with 23 points and 12 rebounds in their win against Terrafirma, definitely a welcome sight ahead of the grueling schedule of Meralco. He will be up against an equally bull-strong import in Venky Jois.
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