PHOENIX Super LPG and Rain or Shine battle each other for the first time in the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup since closing a trade last week.
In another Group B match, Blackwater also looks to stay unbeaten when it goes up against Meralco.
Here is a preview.
MERALCO VS. BLACKWATER
When: Tuesday, July 21. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Quest to stay unbeaten
Blackwater looks to stretch its undefeated start to three games when it faces Meralco in the first game of the Tuesday doubleheader. The Bossing have been impressive, beating Rain or Shine, 131-106, and Magnolia, 89-81. It’s another test for the Bossing when it goes up against another perennial playoff team in Meralco.
Aims for two straight wins
After a 98-97 loss to Phoenix Super LPG to open its conference, Meralco got back on track by upending Rain or Shine, 122-114. The Bolts played Antonio Hester with original choice Jordon Varnado still out injured. Hester delivered with 21 points and nine rebounds for Meralco’s first win of the conference.
RK is OK
RK Ilagan started his conference on a blazing note as he displays his improved scoring ability. In the first two games, Ilagan averaged 21 points while shooting 52 percent from the field, 3.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.5 steals. Another 20-point night for Ilagan will go a long way in Blackwater’s chances against Meralco.
PHOENIX SUPER LPG VS. RAIN OR SHINE
When: Tuesday, July 21. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Mamu faces old team
Gian Mamuyac will play his second game with Phoenix Super LPG on Tuesday, and ironically, it will be against his former team Rain or Shine. Mamuyac played for the Elasto Painters for four years before he was traded last week.
He says
Mamuyac said he expects nothing less with the competitive nature of Rain or Shine under head coach Yeng Guiao.
“May plano si Kuya Beau eh,” Mamuyac joked, referring to the alleged ‘request’ of Beau Belga to play a few minutes with him on the floor.
READ Yeng’s tough love, Belga 'request' await Mamu in 1st game vs RoS
“I expect them to go hard. Ganun naman talaga sa Rain or Shine, mga bata ni Coach Yeng. I expect nothing less. Siyempre, competitors kami pagdating sa court. Once the ball goes up, wala munang kaibi-kaibigan. Nagpaalam naman ako sa kanila personally, napag-usapan naman namin na close naman kami talaga doon.
“Off the court, walang problema doon. Pero habang laro, galit galit muna,” Mamuyac said.
Crucial game for Rain or Shine
After a Commissioner’s Cup campaign where it won seven straight games, the Elasto Painters have lost two in a row, a first for the ballclub since the 49th Season Philippine Cup when they actually were beaten four straight times. Going down 0-3 could affect its chances of repeating its semifinal finish last conference.
Limit turnovers
Phoenix stretched its win streak to three by beating Barangay Ginebra, 81-78. However, the win saw Phoenix committing 21 turnovers that led to 19 points. The Fuel Masters also had a lot of errors in their win against Meralco where they had 20. Phoenix must clean up with Rain or Shine averaging 10.5 steals this conference.
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