MAGNOLIA and Meralco look to join the early leaders, while Rain or Shine debuts in the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday at the Ynares Center.
Here is a glance at Sunday’s doubleheader.
MAGNOLIA VS. CONVERGE
When: Sunday, December 1. 5 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center, Antipolo City
Going for second win
The Hotsohts and the FiberXers are each eyeing their second win in the conference. For Magnolia, however, victory number two, would mean joining guest team Eastern and NorthPort in first place in team standings. Converge tries to notch its second win after losing to Eastern, 117-106. Converge beat Terrafirma, 116-87, for its first win.
Third game in five days
Converge ends a tough stretch of three games in five days to open the conference. The FiberXers definitely want nothing but a win before taking an 11-day break, after which the team could see the much-awaited PBA debut of Justine Baltazar.
Can the Hotshots sustain their blistering shooting during their first game?
If there’s something that Magnolia would try to improve, it’s their defense after the Hotshots gave up 100 points against Blackwater in its 118-100 victory. Offense carried the team to victory, where they shot 63 percent from the field. Ricardo Ratliffe was a big reason why Magnolia shot well after going 10-for-11 from two-point range.
MERALCO VS. RAIN OR SHINE
When: Sunday, December 1. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center, Antipolo City
Elasto Painters begin conference
Rain or Shine makes its Commissioner’s Cup debut after a promising conference where the Elasto Painters reached the semifinals before losing to eventual champion TNT. Deon Thompson, a 36-year-old player who once won an NCAA Division I championship with North Carolina, will be Rain or Shine’s import. Mike Malonzo, drafted No. 16 this season, will make his PBA debut with RoS.
Can shorthanded Bolts gain share of lead?
Meralco is also eyeing a place at No. 1 with Eastern and NorthPort in the team standings after opening the conference with a 111-109 win over Phoenix last Friday. Meralco will continue to play with a depleted roster with Chris Banchero and Allein Maliksi still out due to injuries.
Free throws an area for improvement for Bolts
Meralco came from behind to win against Phoenix, overcoming a 23-point deficit to pick up the victory. One of the reasons why the Bolts fell behind was their free throw shooting, only going for 12-for-21 (57 percent) from the line, with import Akil Mitchell making only six of his 10 charities.
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