IT’S NLEX’s turn to make its PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup debut as fellow MVP-owned teams TNT and Meralco go up against each other in Thursday’s playdate at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Here’s what you need to know about the doubleheader.
NLEX vs. Blackwater
When: Thursday, August 22. 5 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
Comebacking Jong
Jong Uichico returns to the sidelines to handle NLEX, a team where he has been an assistant coach for quite some time. The Gilas Pilipinas deputy is a nine-time PBA champion coach brings his wealth of knowledge to NLEX, which is hungry for a deep playoff run.
During his time as NLEX assistant coach, Uichico temporarily took charge for one game, ironically, against Blackwater and won that match, 103-97, last March 13. The Road Warriors will look to repeat that feat.
Jonnel takes the rookie spotlight
It’s Jonnel Policarpio’s turn to make his PBA debut. NLEX's No. 6 pick in the draft showed his wares during the PBA Combine, boosting his stock. Let’s see how he will fare in an official PBA game.
Can Ledo atone?
Ricky Ledo had a woeful debut when he shot 4-of-23 from the field to finish with 12 points in Blackwater’s 110-97 defeat over Rain or Shine. Head coach Jeff Cariaso is confident that Ledo can bounce back from his poor performance. But another showing similar to the Rain or Shine game could make Blackwater think twice about retaining Ledo.
TNT vs. Meralco
When: Thursday, August 22. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
Who will stay unbeaten?
A battle of two undefeated teams will be the featured game on Thursday when TNT faces Meralco. The Tropang Giga came away with a 101-95 win over NorthPort last Tuesday, while Meralco overcame Magnolia, 99-94, in the opening game. The winner will take the early lead in Group A.
RHJ vs. AD
Two imports who made a mark in the PBA for the past couple of years finally face off in Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Allen Durham. Hollis-Jefferson, the 2023 Best Import, had 32 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, four steals, and four blocks in TNT’s victory over NorthPort, while Durham, a three-time Best Import winner, posted 20 points and 16 rebounds in his PBA return.
Taking care of the ball
One of the points of emphasis for TNT and Meralco is turnovers. Despite winning the game, Meralco gave up 18 turnovers against Magnolia, five each coming from Allen Durham and Cliff Hodge. TNT gave up 16, four each from Calvin Oftana and Rey Nambatac, and the Tropang Giga were fortunate that NorthPort committed more (20 turnovers) to win the match.
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.
