AFTER the Lenten break, the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup resumes with an explosive game pitting sister teams San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra on Easter Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Two early leaders NLEX and Phoenix Super LPG also face off for solo second place.
Here is a preview of the doubleheader.
NLEX vs. PHOENIX SUPER LPG
When: Sunday, April 5. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Previous games
NLEX and Phoenix part ways on Sunday as both teams are tied with Terrafirma and Meralco with a 3-1 win-loss record. The Road Warriors defeated Barangay Ginebra, 118-113, last March 27, and the Fuelmasters upended Terrafirma, 133-105, last March 25.
Conference-highs from Ricci, Berto, Schonny
Three players were coming off conference highs in scoring, and they will be out to sustain their play in Sunday's game.
Ricci Rivero came up with a massive performance in Phoenix’s win over Terrafirma where he had 40 points, behind a 7-of-9 clip on threes. Rivero wasn’t just scoring in that game, but also had six rebounds, eight assists, and three steals.
Robert Bolick scored buckets against Ginebra and finished with 32 points including a clutch three that sealed the deal in a huge win by NLEX/
Schonny Winston has been a welcome addition for NLEX, churning consistent numbers since being acquired in a three-team trade also involving his ex-team Converge and Meralco. Winston also had his conference high 21 points in their previous outing against Barangay Ginebra.
BARANGAY GINEBRA VS. SAN MIGUEL
When: Sunday, April 5. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Rematch of Philippine Cup semifinals
San Miguel and Ginebra clash for the first time since Game 6 of that series where the Beermen defeated the Gin Kings, 101-88, last January 16 to reach the finals where they eventually defeated TNT for the crown. Expect an intense clash between the two sister squads on Easter Sunday.
Previous game
Ginebra and San Miguel are fresh from victories in their previous games. The Gins defeated Converge, 103-99, last March 25 to improve to 2-1, while the Beermen won over Macau Black Knights, 110-94, to even their slate to 2-2.
Japeth Aguilar status
Japeth Aguilar missed last Sunday’s game against Converge due to a knee issue. Ginebra coach Tim Cone said Aguilar was rested due to a knee injury, but assured that it is nothing serious. Aguilar’s status remains in question but don’t be surprised if Ginebra opts to play him against San Miguel.
Frontcourt match-up
San Miguel will need to capitalize on its height advantage. Aside from nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, the Beermen are also armed with 7-foot-1 import Justin Patton, who had 24 points, 17 rebounds, three steals, and one block, in his San Miguel debut since replacing Marcus Lee. Troy Rosario, who had 10 points and 13 rebounds in their win against Converge, Isaac Go, and Norbert Torres will have to work double time against the San Miguel frontline.
Abarrientos churning out big numbers
RJ Abarrientos is off to a solid start to the Commissioner’s Cup, averaging 23.67 points and 6.33 assists for the first three games with the Gins. He exploded for 32 points in their win over Converge where he also teamed up offensively with Justin Brownlee, who had 33 points in the game. Abarrientos will be a marked man in Sunday’s game.
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