FOUR more teams open their stints in the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup, led by Rain or Shine, which is out to break through to the finals after a couple of semifinals finishes.
Here is a preview of the double-header in the league's first stop at Montalban, Rizal.
BLACKWATER VS. RAIN OR SHINE
When: Saturday, July 11. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Montalban
Elasto Painters resume season
Rain or Shine begins a new conference when it goes up against Blackwater to usher in its Govs’ Cup campaign. The Elasto Painters were coming off a semifinal finish against eventual champion Barangay Ginebra in the Commissioner’s Cup. They will look to go deeper, without a doubt.
Bossing's full conference under Pat Aquino
Blackwater starts its Govs’ Cup stint following a coaching change midway through the Comm's Cup when Pat Aquino took over for Jeff Cariaso.
The Bossing will try to improve on their finish last conference when they placed dead-last with a 2-10 record.
Previous outing was forgettable for Blackwater
Their previous game against each other was something that Blackwater would rather forget. Rain or Shine won in lopsided fashion, 151-95, with the 56-point domination ending up to be the largest winning margin in league history.
READ: Yeng wary of 'dangerous' Blackwater in tough Group B
The Bossing sure hope to make it a competitive game against the Elasto Painters this time.
Imports
Rain or Shine opted to bring back Aaron Fuller, as the Elasto Painters prioritized familiarity. Blackwater then brought in Kentrell Barkley, who once became an MVP in Indonesia and Vietnam during his previous stints.
PHOENIX SUPER LPG VS. MAGNOLIA
When: Saturday, July 11. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Montalban
Previous outing
Phoenix Super LPG and Magnolia also opened their campaign last conference against each other, with the Fuel Masters beating the Hotshots, 101-98. That helped the former go on a 2-0 start en route to a quarterfinal berth.
Out for a better start
Magnolia reached the quarterfinals last conference, placing fifth at the end of the elims. This, even though the Hotshots began with a 0-3 record.
Magnolia will definitely be looking for a better start this conference.
Imports
BJ Johnson comes to Phoenix with credentials that includes stints in the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, and Orlando Magic. KJ Buffen, meanwhile, is the import of Magnolia after his recent stint with Indonesia where he posted a double-double average.
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