THE PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup semifinals series between Meralco and Barangay Ginebra is now in a critical stage with Game Five at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The series is tied at 2-2, and the winner of the Sunday contest moving one win away from a date with San Miguel in the finals.
Here are the keys to Game Five:
Meralco vs. Barangay Ginebra
Series tied at 2-2
When: Sunday, May 26. 6:15 p.m.
Where: SM Mall of Asia Arena
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
PREVENT ANOTHER STRONG START
The Bolts had no answer to the early onslaught of the Gin Kings, who jumped out to an early 16-2 lead that proved to be the ballgame. Meralco failed to match Ginebra’s energy, and it didn’t help that some players had foul troubles early in Game Four. The Bolts must avoid a similar effort, or lack thereof, to have a shot at Game Four.
SHOOTING WOES
Several Meralco players struggled from the field and didn’t have their usual production on offense. Allein Maliksi topscored for the Bolts with 14 points but shot only 4-of-10 from the field. Chris Banchero also had 14 but made 5 of his 11 shots, and Chris Newsome had 10 and converted just 2-of-8 from the field.
Overall, Meralco buried 32 percent of their shots from the field, and a repeat could lead to another defeat in the series.
SCOTTIE BACK TO USUAL WAYS
After his shooting struggles, Scottie Thompson got back to his usual ways, scoring 15 points on 6-of-7 from the field. He made his first attempt of the game, setting up Thompson’s productive night on offense. It still could have been better as he hauled five rebounds, not exactly an eye-popping number, and had no assists. Still, another similar night for Thompson would enhance Ginebra’s chance to regain the lead in the series in Game Five.
C-STAN CAN’T BE DENIED
Game Four was an all-around performance for Christian Standhardinger, who had 15 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. It also helped that Meralco’s bigs had some foul issues with Raymond Almazan getting two fouls during that Ginebra sizzling start. Kyle Pascual even committed two consecutive fouls while guarding Standhardinger. Will Game Five be the same story?
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bong Quinto had his worst game in the series, scoring only three points on 1-of-6 shooting from the field. Can he bounce back in Game Five?
Maverick Ahanmisi also had his struggles in Game Four, shooting just 2-of-10 from the field and finishing with seven points. He did grab nine rebounds in the win, but Ginebra still needs his shooting in Game Five.
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