TWO unbeaten teams clash on Wednesday as the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup moves to the Ninoy Aquino Stadium for this week’s matches.
Here’s a look at the double-header.
Meralco vs. Terrafirma
When: August 28, 5 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
Coming off losses
Meralco and Terrafirma are out to go back to their winning ways in Wednesday’s matchup in Group A. The Bolts were routed by TNT, 93-73, last Thursday to slip to a 1-1 win-loss record, while the Dyip were losers for the second straight time, going down to NorthPort, 112-93.
Is AD fitter in Meralco’s third game?
Meralco isn’t hiding the fact that Allen Durham is not yet in peak fitness for the Governors’ Cup. The two-time Best Import only had eight points and shot 3-of-9 from the field. While he grabbed 10 rebounds, Durham still needs to get himself more involved on offense by taking more shots.
Newsome injury
At the moment, there is no word yet about the status of Chris Newsome, who suffered a sprained left knee and left ankle during their defeat against TNT. After Thursday’s game, Newsome said he is fine, but also hinted that he is also looking at the big picture with Meralco still in the early stage of the conference, as well as his upcoming stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers in the November window. While missing the game is a possibility, don’t count out Newsome playing against Terrafirma.
Terrafirma’s chemistry
After the first game, Juami Tiongson said Terrafirma is still working on their chemistry following the entry of Antonio Hester to replace injured import Brandon Lee Edwards. It appears that chemistry was still lacking in their last game against NorthPort, as the Dyip committed 21 turnovers in the contest. Cutting down the turnovers against a defensive-oriented Bolts team will be one of the keys to victory for Terrafirma.
NLEX vs. Rain or Shine
When: August 28, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
Battle of unbeaten teams
NLEX and Rain or Shine will part ways after their match with the winner becoming the lone unbeaten team in Group B and taking solo leadership. The Road Warriors and the Elasto Painters are off to a flyer following victories over Phoenix, 100-95, and Barangay Ginebra, 73-64, respectively over the weekend.
Lemetti to the rescue
Rain or Shine rookie Felix Lemetti continued to wow the fans with his showing against Ginebra in Candon, Ilocos Sur where he scored 10 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter, including a dagger three, to bring the Elasto Painters to victory. After his showing against Ginebra, Lemetti will be one of the focuses of the NLEX defense.
Containing the imports
Myke Henry and Aaron Fuller have been producing for their respective teams in different ways. Henry is delivering the points for the Road Warriors by averaging 34, while Fuller has been a force on the boards, grabbing a norm of 21 rebounds. The import who can assert themselves in their strengths will definitely have the greater chance of winning this matchup between undefeated teams.
Can Bolick deliver a triple-double?
Robert Bolick has been on pace for a triple-double in each of the two games, and is currently averaging 17.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 10.0 assists. Achieving that for Wednesday’s game would be huge for NLEX's oddsd of coming out on top of Rain or Shine.
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