AFTER the FIBA break, the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup resumes on Friday with intriguing match-ups. Here is a preview.
CONVERGE VS. MAGNOLIA
When: Friday, December 5. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Aiming at share of lead
Converge and Magnolia battle on Friday with the winner of the match-up joining NLEX and Rain or Shine for the top spot in the conference. The FiberXers entered the FIBA break with a big win over Barangay Ginebra, 106-96, last November 14 for a 5-2 win-loss record. The Hotshots hold a similar record after their 90-75 win over Blackwater last November 14.
Gomez de Liaños clash
For the first time in the PBA, the Gomez de Liaños share the court as opponents in the match-up between Converge and Magnolia. Juan and Javi have been teammates ever since their University of the Philippines Integrated School days.
And after taking their acts overseas, the two battle for bragging rights. The two are coming off huge ballgames. Juan had 32 points in the Converge win against Barangay Ginebra, while Javi scored 17 points and three steals in their victory over Blackwater.
Defensive fortitude
Magnolia showed its defensive mentality in the win over Blackwater when it had 15 steals that led to 21 Bossing turnovers. With the FiberXers possessing a deep bench led by Schonny Winston and the twin towers Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana, defense will have to be fortified by the Hotshots even more for this game.
TNT VS. SAN MIGUEL
When: Friday, December 5. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Rematch of last season’s finals
San Miguel and TNT meet again for the first time since the 49th Season Philippine Cup finals when the Beermen officially ended the Tropang 5G’s Grand Slam bid with a Game 6 win, 107-96, last July 25 at the Philsports Arena.
Hottest team in the league
San Miguel began the conference with a 0-2 win-loss record, but the Beermen haven’t lost ever since, racking up five victories in a row with a chance at capturing a share of the lead at the end of the night. The Beermen blew out Titan Ultra, 158-117, in their previous game last November 12, but take on an acid test against the Tropang 5G on Friday.
Out to bounce back
The Tropang 5G missed out on the chance to take the top spot in the team standings after a 91-89 defeat over Rain or Shine last November 15 in Cagayan de Oro City. TNT looks to regain its winning ways since another defeat could send it outside the top four where twice-to-beat incentives are at stake.
Rebounding numbers
A big reason for San Miguel’s lopsided win over Titan Ultra was the rebounds where the Beermen collared 74, and four players led by Mo Tautuaa’s 13 and June Mar Fajardo’s 12 norming double digits on the boards.
On the other hand, TNT was outrebounded by Rain or Shine, 54-45, in their last game.
Galinato on the rise
Henri Galinato has begun to break into the TNT rotation more often especially during the November 15 match where he played for 13 quality minutes, producing 13 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks against Rain or Shine.
Oftana status
Calvin Oftana sustained a hamstring strain that kept him out not just during TNT’s previous game against Rain or Shine but also for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers Window 1.
The break was an opportunity for him to recover from the injury. The initial prognosis was that Oftana would be out for two to three weeks, but don’t be too surprised if Oftana sees action especially with TNT up against San Miguel.
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