AN intriguing showdown between Rain or Shine and San Miguel is the highlight of Thursday’s doubleheader as the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup goes back to the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Here’s a preview of the match-ups.
Terrafirma vs. TNT
When: Thursday, September 5, 5 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
Tiongson-less Dyip searches for first win
Terrafirma suffered its fourth straight loss last Sunday after going down against Magnolia, 124-103. And the Dyip just couldn’t get a break heading to the TNT clash following news that Juami Tiongson will be out indefinitely due to a partial hamstring tear. Tiongson has yet to show the form that earned him a Second Mythical Team distinction last season, but his ability to score in clusters for the time being will be missed.
READ Juami Tiongson out indefinitely with partial hamstring tear
Going for share of lead
TNT (3-1) is looking to end the first round of Group A with a share of the lead alongside Meralco. The Tropang Giga are fresh from a one-week respite after they defeated Magnolia, 88-82. One of the reasons for TNT’s success is defense, which has conceded 86.5 points this conference.
Players struggling
Calvin Oftana is out to bounce back after scoring just three points on 1-of-8 shooting against Magnolia.
Terrafirma import Antonio Hester had a woeful game, to say the least, against Magnolia where he only scored two points on 1-of-4 shots from the field. The Dyip only played Hester for 12 minutes and 14 seconds.
Rain or Shine vs. San Miguel
When: Thursday, September 5, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
Acid test for Rain or Shine
The last time the two teams faced off was during the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals where San Miguel swept Rain or Shine. Thursday’s game will be different. Rain or Shine has compiled four straight wins to start the conference but are still in for a litmus test against traditional title contender San Miguel at the close of their first half campaign in Group B. The Elasto Painters overwhelmed Phoenix, 116-99, in their previous outing but Thursday’s game is expected to be a different challenge for the young squad.
Avoiding three straight losses
San Miguel is on a two-game losing streak after defeats to Barangay Ginebra, 108-102, last August 27, and, most recently, against NLEX, 108-102, last Saturday in Cagayan De Oro City. The Beermen haven’t lost three straight since the 2018 Governors’ Cup where they were defeated consecutively by Barangay Ginebra, Magnolia, and Alaska.
Fuller vs. June Mar
Don’t be surprised if Aaron Fuller and June Mar Fajardo will be battling each other in the shaded lane. The two have been dominating the paint with Fuller coming off a 28-point, 22-rebound outing against Phoenix, and Fajardo fresh from a 19-point, 17-rebound effort versus NLEX.
Clarito leads Rain or Shine
Season 48 Most Improved Player Jhonard Clarito continues to improve for Rain or Shine, and is coming off a two-game stretch where he averaged star-worthy numbers of 19.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 3.5 steals for the Elasto Painters. Can he sustain his play against a tough SMB squad?
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