PHOENIX Super LPG and NLEX go for win No. 2 against separate foes to join Terrafirma on top of the team standings of the PBA 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup.
Here is a preview of Sunday’s double-header at the Ynares Center-Montalban.
PHOENIX SUPER LPG VS. TITAN ULTRA
When: Sunday, March 15. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Montalban
Fuel Masters eye 2-0 start
Phoenix goes for its second straight win to start the conference, a feat it last accomplished during the 2021 Governors’ Cup. The Fuel Masters got their conference going on a high note after defeating Magnolia Chicken Timplados, 101-98.
Routed to start the conference
Titan Ultra began its conference with a stinging loss, as it was routed by Terrafirma, 112-82. The 30-point loss was the biggest margin of victory for the Dyip in franchise history.
Giant Risers must get back up
In its loss to Terrafirma, Titan Ultra was badly outrebounded, 54-39, that led to the 30-point loss. The Giant Risers must do better since Phoenix also had a huge 60-36 advantage in rebounds, 60-36, vs. Magnolia.
Dickey shines in PBA debut
James Dickey III was a huge reason for Phoenix’s dominant performance in the rebounding category, as the Fuel Masters import hauled in 26 boards.
Dickey had 10 offensive rebounds on the way to Phoenix claiming the 26-7 advantage in that statistic. A repeat performance will likely lead to another win for the Fuel Masters.
NLEX VS. MAGNOLIA
When: Sunday, March 15. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Montalban
Road Warriors in search of share of the lead
NLEX will seek to join Terrafirma on top in its matchup against Magnolia.
The Road Warriors began the conference with a gritty 84-81 victory vs. Blackwater.
Hotshots seek to atone
Magnolia didn’t get a victory in its first game of the conference, as it was beaten by Phoenix. The Hotshots haven’t lost two in a row to start the conference since the 2023 Governors’ Cup.
Badly outrebounded in opening game
Magnolia was outplayed on the boards during its first game where it was outrebounded, 60-36. Hotshots guard Jerom Lastimosa had the most rebounds on the team with nine in that game. Magnolia must win the rebounding battle, in this one more so since it has a taller lineup than NLEX.
Berto clutch
Robert Bolick rescued NLEX to victory on Wednesday when he lit up for 24 points, 13 in the final period. The Road Warriors might need Bolick in the clutch again, as they face a Hotshots squad determined to even their record.
Omot gets time to adjust
Magnolia import Nuni Omot is set to play his second game in three days. Hotshots head coach LA Tenorio said Omot is still learning their system and the PBA brand of basketball since he only arrived earlier this week to replace Terrell Brown-Soares.
The South Sudanese import actually had a good debut when he had 27 points and six rebounds. He, however, committed four turnovers and noticeably suffered cramps at one point of the game. Magnolia is hoping that Omot has already adjusted, as it tries again for win No. 1.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
