THE playoff of the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup opens with two teams hoping for a Merry Christmas courtesy of a place in the semifinals, while the other two go all-out to avoid ending their campaigns during the holidays.
Here is a brief preview of the quarterfinal matchups.
NLEX VS. SAN MIGUEL
When: Thursday, December 25. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
San Miguel vies for semifinals
The Beermen look to clinch a semifinals berth in their match against NLEX. SMB took the top spot in the eliminations on a roll, winning nine straight games to move one win away from making it to the next round.
NLEX had defeated SMB before
Before they steamrolled the competition with a lengthy winning streak, the Beermen lost their first two games, and that included an 85-84 defeat against the Road Warriors last October 8.
Berto back
Robert Bolick is set to return to the Road Warriors after his stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
NLEX lost three in a row, including two with Bolick out, and his presence is definitely needed in their do-or-die contest.
BARANGAY GINEBRA VS. CONVERGE
When: Thursday, December 25. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Converge guns landmark feat for franchise
Converge is aiming to secure a place in the semifinals for the first time in franchise history in their Christmas game against Barangay Ginebra. The FiberXers reached the quarterfinals six times in their franchise history and are looking for a breakthrough.
Converge's last quarterfinals appearance was in last season’s Philippine Cup where it was beaten by Ginebra, 88-80.
Ginebra on a roll
After a slow start, Ginebra finished the eliminations on a winning streak with five straight victories for a tie for fourth place with Converge at 7-4 record. But the Gin Kings failed to land the twice-to-beat edge due to their 106-96 defeat last November 14.
Ginebra used to Christmas games
Ginebra has played in several Christmas Day games, including last year when Scottie Thompson hit a game-winning three-point shot to beat Magnolia, 95-92.
This time around, the Gin Kings will be in a do-or-die situation, but the team is definitely comfortable playing in Christmas.
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