TNT tries to close its PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup semifinals series against Meralco on Wednesday, while Barangay Ginebra looks for an encore after a memorable performance by Scottie Thompson against San Miguel in Game 5.
Here is a preview of the match-ups:
MERALCO VS. TNT
When: Wednesday, January 14. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
TNT goes for the kill
TNT seeks to clinch a ticket to the finals for the fourth straight conference with a win. The Tropang 5G moved closer to a return to the championship round after a 102-83 blowout of Meralco last Sunday.
Pogoy likely out of the semis
For TNT to move to the finals, the Tropang 5G must overcome the absence of RR Pogoy, who is likely out for the semifinals due to a hamstring injury that he was once bothered with last season.
Pogoy is averaging 14 points in the semifinals, with TNT also about to miss his defensive presence.
Poy a huge spark
Poy Erram regained his old ways before his injury last season when he produced 27 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. It was a huge boost for TNT, as Erram has become a third-string big with the stellar play of Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Henry Galinato.
Bolts must regroup without Newsome
Meralco lost Game 4 no thanks to Chris Newsome missingthe contest due to an MCL sprain. Newsome admitted the injury needs three to five weeks to heal, but expressed confidence that he can come back at some point in the series. The Bolts must step up with their best player out.
Quinto misfires
Bong Quinto was a missing piece to Meralco in Game 4 after he shot just 1-of-12 in the loss. He must atone for those struggles in order for the Bolts to stay alive in the series.
BARANGAY GINEBRA VS. SAN MIGUEL
When: Wednesday, January 14. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
3-2 lead sought
Ginebra and San Miguel seek a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven semifinals. The Gin Kings evened the series last Sunday after a 105-91 win over the Beermen.
Night to remember for Iskati
Thompson played a huge game in an important Game 4. He carried the Gin Kings by delivering 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in a performance to remember.
From tip-off, Thompson provided the energy that rubbed off on the rest of Ginebra, enabling the team to come back after falling behind 30-14 in the first quarter.
David also all over
Aside from Thompson, Jayson David also stepped up for Ginebra with a stat line of 12 points, three rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and two blocks that led to a +22. David’s contributions is sorely needed, with the Gin Kings continuing to battle a deep Beermen bench.
Marcio struggles
Marcio Lassiter uncharacteristically was a non-factor for San Miguel in Game 4 when he went scoreless, missing one shot and failing to take a three-pointer. It was a stark contrast to Game 3 where he had eight points on perfect 2-of-2 from the field and 3-of-3 from the foul line.
Is the shoulder injury bothering June Mar?
San Miguel was defeated after its star center June Mar Fajardo had a lot of misses in Game 4, some of which from point-blank range. He shot just 3-of-14 from the field to finish with only nine points.
Knowing him, Fajardo won’t admit that his shoulder had an effect on his performance in Game 4, but it looked like it did, and that could spell bad news for the Beermen moving forward.
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