THE PBA marks another milestone as it celebrates its 50th anniversary by holding its first-ever game in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Barangay Ginebra, Magnolia, and Rain or Shine see action in the two games to be played at the Khalifa Sports City Stadium that will be held as part of the 54th Bahrain National Day celebration.
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The Elasto Painters tangle with the Hotshots on Monday to kick off the historic occasion, followed by the Barangay Ginebra-Rain or Shine showdown on Wednesday.
Here’s what to expect in the opener of the two scheduled games
RAIN OR SHINE VS. MAGNOLIA
When: Dec. 15, 11:55 p.m. (Manila time)
Where: Khalifa Sports City, Stadium in Bahrain
The two teams, both in strong contention for a Top 4 berth, clash in a game that is expected to have a playoff atmosphere as the race for the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals has never been this close.
Elasto Painters gun for outright playoff incentive
Tied at No. 1 with defending champion San Miguel at 7-2, Rain or Shine will be aiming to secure one of the Top 4 spots by winning this one against Magnolia.
The Elasto Painters are on a two-game winning streak against two heavyweight opponents – TNT in Cagayan de Oro, 91-89, and Converge in Antipolo, 90-84.
Coach Yeng Guiao believes a split of the team’s two games in Bahrain would be good enough to secure a twice-to-beat edge in the next round.
Rain or Shine finishing at No. 1 is a long shot as San Miguel holds the tiebreaker (111-93) in case they end up still tied on top by the end of the eliminations. The Beermen’s final two games will be against also-ran Terrafirma and Meralco.
‘Mamu’ steady player for RoS
Guard Gian Mamuyac has been consistent for the Elasto Painters in those two big wins against title contending teams, averaging 14.5 points in the twin outings.
Mamu’s steadiness comes in handy for Rain or Shine especially with the on-and-off plays lately of guards Andrei Caracut and Adrian Nocum.
Malonzo silent worker of Elasto Painters
Also praise from Guiao was sophomore forward Mike Malonzo, another diamond in the rough for the franchise.
Malonzo came up big for the Elasto Painters in their come-from-behind win against the FiberXers, quietly coming through with a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Those numbers and the work of the National University product were good enough for Guiao to give him a shout out during the postgame presser.
Hotshots eyeing to boost Top 4 bid
Magnolia will be going to the game fresh from a 98-82 drubbing of NLEX that put the Hotshots back in strong contention for that coveted twice-to-beat bonus.
The Hotshots are currently tied at No. 2 with the TNT Tropang 5G at 6-3 and a victory against Rain or Shine would have them catching the Elasto Painters.
Coach LA Tenorio and Co. have another tough opponent after Rain or Shine, taking on the Tropang 5G on Sunday in the final day of the eliminations.
Lastimosa ready to go
Sophomore guard Jerom Lastimosa joined the Bahrain trip and will be ready in the all-important game against Rain or Shine.
Lastimosa has undergone concussion protocol after banging his head at the Ynares Center floor in Montalban during the first half of the Hotshots’ game against the Road Warriors.
The former star player of Adamson suffered a lump behind his head and complained of dizziness shortly after the incident.
He was later taken to the dugout and never returned to the game, finishing with four points, an assist and a steal in nine minutes of play.
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