TNT and NLEX go for a 2-0 lead in the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup quarterfinals as action returns to Ynares Center-Antipolo.
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TNT VS. MAGNOLIA
When: Wednesday, October 27. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Tropa go for sizeable lead
No. 4 TNT will be looking for a 2-0 advantage in its best-of-five quarterfinal against Magnolia on Wednesday following its 92-70 win in Game 1. Such lead could be a mountain to climb already for the Hotshots in their match-up against the defending champions.
Defense holds key
TNT’s defense was impeccable in Game 1, limiting Magnolia to 38 percent shooting. KJ Buffen had his fourth lowest scoring output of the conference with 18 points, while Jerom Lastimosa shot just 2-of-10 in his six-point outing last Friday. They must have a better outing in Game 2.
Offense spread around
Five TNT players scored in double digits with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson showing the way with 26 points. The usual suspects chipped in with Calvin Oftana, Roger Pogoy, Rey Nambatac, and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser combining for 48 points. A similar outing from them could mean a 2-0 lead for TNT.
PHOENIX SUPER LPG VS. NLEX
When: Wednesday, October 27. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Road to 2-0
NLEX hopes to gain a 2-0 lead against Phoenix Super LPG after its 97-92 win in Game 1 last Friday where Deonte Burton had 27 points and 11 rebounds, and Robert Bolick scoring 20 points for the Road Warriors.
Not the best game of NLEX
NLEX coach Jimmy Alapag acknowledged that Game 1 wasn’t their best and the statistics showed. The Road Warriors had less rebounds, 50-42; offensive rebounds, 15-5; second chance points, 10-2; and assists, 17-9 compared to the Fuelmasters.
Shot better
Phoenix got solid contributions from Ricci Rivero (24 points) and Kai Ballungay (20 points) in Game 1, but Marcellus Earlington only had 14 points on a 6-of-19 clip from the field, and the Fuelmasters import must play better. Gian Mamuyac had 11 points but only was 2-of-10 from the field. Phoenix combined to make only 40 percent of its shots.
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