BARANGAY Ginebra and Phoenix Super LPG, coming off defeats against separate opponents, face off on Friday night, as the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup returns to the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
This preview also includes the first game that will see Magnolia playing Meralco in search of its first win.
MAGNOLIA VS. MERALCO
When: Friday, July 24. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Share of lead
Meralco shoots for a share of the lead in Group B when it meets Magnolia. After losing their opener, the Bolts zoomed to their second straight win after beating Blackwater, 116-114, thanks to Chris Newsome's game-winning layup with 3.9 seconds left. They survived the Bossing after losing an 18-point lead in the fourth quarter.
Avoid a 0-3 hole
Magnolia has lost its first two games, falling to last place in a stacked Group B. The Hotshots will look to break the slump against the Bolts after they were defeated by Blackwater, 89-81, a week ago.
Supporting cast of Buffen
KJ Buffen enters the matchup after a 32-point, 11-rebound double-double effort against Blackwater. The Magnolia import was also responsible for all three-pointers of the Hotshots, shooting 6-of-9 in the contest.
As good as Buffen was, the Hotshots' locals must also chip in after they combined for only 17-of-50 from the field against the Bossing.
Watch out for CB’s fours
Chris Banchero has been on target on fours, making a total of 6-of-7 from that range during the last two games. Banchero will try to continue his shooting form against Magnolia.
Hester faces old team
Antonio Hester has ably picked up the slack with Jordon Varnado still injured. He is averaging 23.0 points and 10.5 rebounds in two games for Meralco ahead of the game against Magnolia, a team he played for in the 2023 Govs’ Cup when he also served as replacement for Eric McCree.
BLACKWATER VS. BARANGAY GINEBRA
When: Friday, July 24. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Gin Kings, Bossing aim to recover
Ginebra shoots for its first win after opening the conference with a loss to Phoenix Super LPG, 81-78, last Sunday in their first outing since capturing the Commissioner’s Cup crown.
Blackwater is also coming off a defeat, and will look to recover after a sterling start where they won back-to-back out the gates.
Locals need to produce
Riley Grigsby made his PBA debut last Sunday where he had 42 points, 13 rebounds, two steals, and one block in the loss to Phoenix. But Grigsby was alone in the heavy lifting, with no local scoring in double-digits.
For Blackwater, the locals have been producing to complement Kentrell Barkley. Sedrick Barefield, RK Ilagan, and Dalph Panopio have averaged 55.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 5.7 steals combined.
RJ’s shooting woes
RJ Abarrientos will look to get back on track after he had a woeful shooting night to start the conference. The Comm's Cup Best Player of the Conference shot 0-of-7 from threes and 3-of-16 from the field.
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