TWO teams are out to break away from a five-way tie for first-place in Wednesday’s PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup twin-bill on Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Here’s what to watch out in the day’s double-header.
BLACKWATER VS. NLEX
When: Wednesday, October 29. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Staying in front
NLEX could be the solo leader - for a few hours, at least - if it wins over Blackwater. The Road Warriors are one of five teams in the drivers’ seat with 3-1 records. NLEX defeated Meralco, 89-85, last Sunday to win its second straight match.
Snap out of losing streak
Blackwater has lost two in a row heading into this contest. The Bossing were beaten by Rain or Shine, 110-100, to go down to 1-2.
Bolick double-double pulls NLEX to win
Robert Bolick continues to show his all-around brilliance with a near triple-double of 11 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds in NLEX’s win over Meralco. The Road Warriors will be difficult to beat if Bolick produces similar numbers.
Panopio on a slump
Dalph Panopio had lowly numbers in their previous game against Rain or Shine when he had four points in 2-of-10 shooting from the field.
The No. 3 pick in the draft seems to be on a funk and getting out of it could be the tonic that Blackwater needs to arrest its skid.
MERALCO VS. TNT
When: Wednesday, October 29. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Quest to continue winning streak
TNT is out to stretch its winning run to four games - and may also be the leader at the end of today's action. The Tropang 5G beat Titan Ultra, 130-92, last Friday to rise to 3-1 and join the five-team logjam at the top.
Spreading the minutes
With the result of TNT’s game against Titan Ultra already settled, head coach Chot Reyes had a chance to spread the minutes and rest their key players. Calvin Oftana had the most minutes in the match with 23, and finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds. The Tropang 5G could have the fresher legs against the Bolts.
Right in the middle
Meralco has an 3-3 win-loss record, and despite its even card, remains in great position due to the five-way tie for first-place. The Bolts will look to bounce back from their 89-85 loss to NLEX last Sunday.
Hodge a monster on the boards
Meralco lost its previous game, but was a force on the boards with a 58-40 rebounding advantage against NLEX.
Leading the charge in the rebounding department was Cliff Hodge, who had 11 of his 17 on the offensive glass. With those numbers, TNT must crash the boards again after its 59-44 advantage against Titan Ultra.
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