NLEX looks to move a step closer to a quarterfinal berth in the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup when it faces Eastern, while Barangay Ginebra and Meralco resume their rivalry in this conference. Here’s a rundown of the doubleheader as the league returns to the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
EASTERN VS. NLEX
When: Wednesday, January 29. 5 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
NLEX goes for at least a playoff for No. 8
Against Eastern, the Road Warriors are vying for at least a playoff for the eighth seed in the quarterfinals. The Road Warriors are on a two-game winning streak including a 122-110 victory over Rain or Shine last Saturday for a 5-6 win-loss record, putting them in position for a place in the next round
Eastern battles for best seeding
Eastern will go for a win over NLEX and take the best finish possible at the close of its elimination round campaign. Eastern is coming off a 107-78 loss to Magnolia, and will try to bounce back from that defeat.
Robert Bolick and company must contribute
NLEX’s two-game winning streak saw Robert Bolick having a fine performance including a rare 40-point, 10-assist night in its victory over Rain or Shine. The good thing for the Road Warriors is Bolick was not alone as players such as Tony Semarad, Xyrus Torres, and Kevin Alas chipped in for the squad. Another collective effort by the NLEX could mean another victory.
Eastern must arrest shooting woes
The Hong Kong guest team has lost two of its last three games, and shot a combined 57 of 141 (40 percent) from the field. Eastern juggling duties three leagues may be affecting the team, and it is definitely hoping that fatigue won’t set in for this important match-up.
BARANGAY GINEBRA VS. MERALCO
When: Wednesday, January 29. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Rivalry rekindled
Ginebra and Meralco renew their rivalry in the Commissioner’s Cup eliminations. Their Governors’ Cup tiff, however, was a mismatch when the Gin Kings swept the Bolts in the best-of-five quarterfinals. Meralco will be out to bounce back and capture its first win of the season against Barangay Ginebra.
Meralco out to extend win streak in bid for twice-to-beat
Meralco is on a hot streak and on a three-game win run, its last victory against San Miguel, 100-93, in Candon, Ilocos Sur last January 18. The Bolts are currently at third place with a 7-3 win-loss record, half a game behind TNT in the battle for the second and final twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
READ What happens if SMB, NLEX, Magnolia end up tied at eighth?
Vying for best seed
Ginebra has a share of fifth with Eastern with a 7-4 win-loss record. After coming off a 120-92 win over Rain or Shine, the Gin Kings are still seeking for a higher seed, although it looks like the team is in a lock for the top six in the quarterfinals, avoiding a twice-to-beat disadvantage.
Defensive teams clash
This is going to be a battle of premier defensive squads. Over the last two games, the Gin Kings have limited their opponents to less than 100 points including 62 against Blackwater. The Bolts have given up an average of 92.67 points over the last three matches.
Players to watch
Chris Banchero’s number is on the rise over the last three matches with an average of 18.3 points and 4.0 assists. His shooting in the three previous games is on an efficient rate with a 22 of 38 (58 percent) from the field.
Troy Rosario is showing his hustle with Ginebra, averaging 15 points per game over the last two games. He is also grabbing an average of 6.0 offensive rebounds including seven in the win over Rain or Shine.
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