THE PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup goes back to the Ynares Center-Montalban for a double-header involving thus far perfect teams, including Magnolia, which eyes to stay up in the leaderboard.
Why defense will be an utmost importance for the Hotshots in their match-up against Meralco, and more in this preview.
RAIN OR SHINE VS. SAN MIGUEL
When: Sunday, October 19. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Montalban
Montalban a good place for Rain or Shine
Rain or Shine will look to stay unbeaten in its Philippine Cup campaign against San Miguel. The Elasto Painters’ first game saw them overcome a 16-point deficit to defeat Meralco in overtime, 96-95, last Saturday held at the Ynares Center-Montalban.
RoS is actually undefeated in Montalban, having also defeated Magnolia, 119-105, last May 18 in the 49th Season All-Filipino.
Still winless
San Miguel is out to get out of its rut. The Beermen lost their second straight game last Sunday when they were beaten by Phoenix, 109-103. Another defeat could be an alarming situation for the reigning champions.
Free throw woes for SMB
The Beermen were woeful from the free throw stripe in their previous game against the Fuel Masters after they went 15-of-27 from the line. June Mar Fajardo had a bad shooting night at the foul line when he only made 5-of-12.
Pringle, Santillan expected to make ROS debut vs SMB
Stanley Pringle sat out Rain or Shine’s first game due to a sprained meniscus, and head coach Yeng Guiao said the Elasto Painters' biggest acquisition during the offseason will be playing against the Beermen.
The same goes for Santi Santillan, according to Guiao, who was also out in the first game due to a slightly torn MCL he got during their preseason game against Meralco in Ilagan, Isabela.
MERALCO VS. MAGNOLIA
When: Sunday, October 19. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Montalban
Meralco goes for sweep of tough swing
The Bolts are looking to win all three games during a five-day stretch in the match-up against the Hotshots. Meralco previously beat Blackwater, 105-96, and Barangay Ginebra, 89-75, both games only with one day to prepare. After Sunday’s game, Meralco will be heading to Japan for its first game in the EASL against Ryukyu Golden Kings.
Magnolia looks to stay on top
Magnolia is aiming to continue its winning ways and stay on top of the team standings.
The Hotshots are off to a flyer under new head coach LA Tenorio, taking their second win in as many outings with a 127-119 victory over Titan Ultra last Friday.
Emphasis on defense
Magnolia may have won Friday’s game, but Tenorio rued giving up 119 points against Titan Ultra. Tenorio warned that they can’t afford to give up that many points against Meralco, with the Bolts known for their defense as well.
The 75 points that Meralco gave up against Ginebra was the second-lowest behind the 73 Magnolia allowed against the Gin Kings.
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