RAIN or Shine turns over a new leaf, as it plays its first game since a stunning trade earlier this week.
Speaking of trade, San Miguel and Terrafirma battle for the first time since being involved in a player exchange during the break prior to the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup.
Here is a preview.
TERRAFIRMA VS. SAN MIGUEL
When: Saturday, July 18. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Juami, Jerrick face former teams
Last June, San Miguel and Terrafirma engaged in a trade where the Beermen received Jerrick Ahanmisi and Paolo Hernandez for Juami Tiongson and Chris Miller. The two teams will face each other for the first time since that trade.
How are Juami and Jerrick doing?
Tiongson is back to his usual scoring ways like in his first stint with Terrafirma. In three games this conference, Tiongson is averaging 16.3 points and shooting 35.3-percent from the field.
Ahanmisi debuted with San Miguel last Tuesday against Macau, against whom he scored 16 points on 55-percent shooting from the field.
Shooting for second straight win
San Miguel eyes its second straight victory after opening the conference with a 123-109 win over Macau. The Beermen are out to close the gap between them and group leaders NLEX and Converge, both with 3-0 slates.
Out to snap two-game skid
Terrafirma dropped its last two games for a 1-2 record. Both losses, however, were close ones, coming down to the final possession. The Dyip bowed to NLEX, 101-100, then Converge, 105-103, during that stretch.
JMF could be back
June Mar Fajardo sat out San Miguel’s opener against Macau due to a hyperextended elbow, but said he plans to make his conference debut on Saturday since his injury only needed rest.
RAIN OR SHINE VS. MERALCO
When: Saturday, July 18. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Elasto Painters minus Mamu
Rain or Shine resumes its campaign after a huge move of trading erstwhile team captain Gian Mamuyac and their Season 53 second round pick to Phoenix Super LPG for a first round pick in the same draft.
It was a stunning move, with Mamuyac being one of the Elasto Painters' cornerstones in their rise to playoff contender. Mamuyac played his last game for RoS last Saturday where he had 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists. All eyes will be on coach Yeng Guiao’s squad, as they move forward from the trade.
In search of first win
Rain or Shine is out to bounce back after a shocking result where it got routed by Blackwater, 131-108. The Elasto Painters played sloppy in that game and committed 17 turnovers that led to 20 Bossing points.
Even RoS' opponent Meralco is in search of its first win after losing to Phoenix, 98-97, last Wednesday.
Hester takes over
Meralco played without an import in its first game due to the injury to Jordon Varnado. For the meantime, Meralco has signed Antonio Hester, who will now be playing for his third PBA team after previously playing with Terrafirma and Magnolia in past seasons.
Maliksi, Bates chip in
Allein Maliksi and Brandon Bates stepped up huge during Meralco’s loss to Phoenix. Maliksi played quality minutes and scored 16 points and shot 4-of-5 from threes. Bates had a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
If the Bolts get similar numbers from the two, that will boost their chances of winning.
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