SAN Miguel tries to bounce back from its upset defeat at the hands of NLEX back in the first round in the main event of Wednesday’s PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup playdate.
Preview of the double-header below:
Converge vs. NorthPort
When: Wednesday, September 11, 5 p.m.
Watch: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
First round tussle was memorable for Arvin Tolentino
August 29 was the last time NorthPort and Converge squared off with the game a memorable one for Tolentino, who collected 51 points in their 135-109 win to become the first local in six years to reach such mark.
Coming into their second round encounter, Tolentino is also coming off another milestone when he hit a triple-double, going for 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in the Batang Pier’s 133-107 win over the FiberXers.
Seeking to arrest losing streak
The FiberXers are on a slump, having lost three straight games, with the most recent one a 98-91 defeat to TNT. They need to win now or lose their grip on a playoff spot in Group A with NorthPort and Magnolia in joint third.
Injury hounds Justin Arana
In the loss to the Tropang Giga, Arana re-aggravated his sprained right ankle twice, but still played on until the final buzzer. Post-game, the versatile big man admitted to reporters after that he is still unsure about his status moving forward, but will try his best to suit up for the important matchup against NorthPort.
NLEX vs. San Miguel
When: Wednesday, September 11. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
NLEX tries a repeat
The Road Warriors will try to sweep the Beermen in group play after they pulled off a stunner in Cagayan de Oro with a 112-108 overtime win. The problem for the Road Warriors is that they haven’t won since that out-of-town upset, losing to Barangay Ginebra, 119-91, then Blackwater, 110-99, to fall to a 3-3 win-loss slate.
San Miguel decides to change import
The Beermen are holding onto third in Group B with a 3-2 win-loss slate. But despite their ranking, San Miguel decided to change its import, replacing Jordan Adams with Sheldon Mac. Will this gambit end the Beermen’s shaky conference?
Beermen escape
San Miguel narrowly won its previous game where it defeated Rain or Shine, 113-112, through a buzzer-beating medium-range jumper by June Mar Fajardo.
The Beermen nearly squandered a 12-point deficit when Chris Ross fouled Felix Lemetti while taking a four-point shot. The rookie guard made all four free throws to give the Elasto Painters the lead, but not for good with Fajardo hitting the game-winner.
Trade under review
NLEX plays amidst a trade it has already submitted to the PBA Commissioner’s Office where it will acquire Javee Mocon from Phoenix in exchange for Ato Ular and a Season 51 second round draft pick.
READ: Phoenix trades Javee Mocon to NLEX for Ato Ular, 2nd-round pick
A Road Warriors win will bode well as they wait for Mocon, who will definitely give them instant boost especially in rebounding.
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