TNT and Magnolia will once again aim for a share of first place in the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup when they battle separate opponents.
Most of the interest though is expected to be on the Hotshots, as they face defending champion San Miguel in what should be humdinger of a ball game.
Here is a preview of the double-header.
TNT VS. TERRAFIRMA
When: Friday, November 7. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Montalban
Going for the driver’s seat
TNT goes for the share of the lead once again in its game against Terrafirma. The Tropang 5G have won four straight games to improve their record to 4-1. A win will give them the top spot in the standings alongside Rain or Shine.
Aiming to stop skid
Entering the game against the Tropang 5G, the Dyip have lost three in a row after their 106-91 defeat to Rain or Shine last October 31. During that span, Terrafirma has lost by an average of 14.3 points.
Fourth-quarter woes for the Dyip
Despite their losses piling up, Terrafirma was in the hunt for most of its games only to crumble in the fourth quarter. Against Rain or Shine, the Dyip only shot 7-of-25 from the field in the fourth quarter and was outscored, 31-16. If they can find a way to make their shots in the final period, they will have a shot to win against the Tropang 5G.
Nambatac lights out from four
TNT claimed a victory against Meralco in overtime, 100-98, last October 29, after overcoming a 23-point deficit. A big reason for the win was Rey Nambatac, who scored 22 points in the victory.
Nambatac continued to become proficient from four-point range after making three of his five attempts from way downtown. Nambatac is now shooting 5-of-8 from fours this season, and if he continues to make those kinds of shots, the Tropang 5G will be in a good position to win against Terrafirma.
SAN MIGUEL VS. MAGNOLIA
When: Friday, November 7. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Montalban
Test for both teams
San Miguel and Magnolia duel in the main game and it will surely be a test for both teams.
The Beermen will try to extend their winning streak to four games with the reigning champions on a roll after a lethargic start of losing the first two matches of the conference. SMB has since compiled wins against Rain or Shine, Barangay Ginebra, and Converge, and another win against a contender in Magnolia will take their confidence to another level.
The Hotshots are shooting for the joint lead, on the other hand. Magnolia has been in the zone under new head coach LA Tenorio, racking up a win-loss record of 4-1. A victory over the Beermen would be a shot in the arm for Magnolia.
Trollano status
Don Trollano is a gametime decision for San Miguel’s game against Magnolia. Trollano sat out Sunday’s game against Converge due to a back injury, but could be headed for a return after participating in light practices in the lead-up to the game.
Bigs on the spotlight
June Mar Fajardo was in his best in San Miguel’s 96-90 win over Converge when he pitched in with 24 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks against the FiberXers’ twin towers of Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar.
Magnolia has the personnel to at least put a body on Fajardo with James Laput and Russel Escoto expected to help Ian Sangalang down low. But the Hotshots should also watch out for the Beermen’s other bigs, as Mo Tautuaa and JM Calma have also been chipping in this conference. Tautuaa had nine points, four rebounds, and two blocks, and Calma added five points and five rebounds in the win against the FiberXers.
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