TNT goes for the kill in its PBA Season 49 Governors Cup semifinals series against Rain or Shine after taking a commanding 3-1 lead, while San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra try to extricate out of a tight 2-2 series in their own Final Four battle.
Here’s a preview of what to expect.
Barangay Ginebra vs. San Miguel
When: October 18, 5 p.m
Where: Ynares Center, Antipolo
The Beermen bounced back strong with a 131-121 beating of the Kings the last time to reduce the series into a best-of-three affair.
The first four games established a pattern of Ginebra winning the odd numbers games and San Miguel the even number ones. Beermen coach Jorge Gallent said he hopes tradition will be broken on Friday.
Kings need to control the boards
Ginebra was battered off the boards, 50-36, in Game 4. No one among the Kings registered double digits in rebounding, with Justine Brownlee the best among the team with nine. Starter Japeth Aguilar was held to just four, while Scottie Thompson, one of the best rebounding guards in PBA history, was also limited to the same output. In contrast, June Mar Fajardo was a monster in the middle with 16 rebounds, import CJ Anosike with 11 and wingmen CJ Perez and Don Trollano with six and five, respectively.
Japeth must show up
Battling Fajardo one on one could really be a daunting task, physically and mentally. But as Ginebra’s last line in the middle, the Kings can’t afford another scoreless second half from the 6-foot-10 former Kentucky Western player. Aguilar finished with 12 points the previous game, all of them in the first half. The Beermen didn’t take control of the game until the third quarter when they scored 37 big points. In contrast, only Brownlee was up to the task for the Kings during that stretch, scoring 17 of his game-high 49 points.
Fajardo rejuvenated
After slowing down in Game 3, Fajardo was back to his usual self the last time, dumping 29 points and grabbing 16 rebounds as the eight-time MVP appeared to have gotten his second wind heading to the final stretch of this enthralling series.
TNT vs. Rain or Shine
When: Friday Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center, Antipolo
The two teams figured in a low-scoring game won by the Tropang Giga on a Rondae Hollis-Jefferson one-handed slam.
A win by the reigning champions will send them back to the finals, while the Elasto Painters try to extend the series to a Game 6 after nearly pulling off another win last Wednesday.
RoS can’t afford to have another bad-shooting game
Coach Yeng Guiao raised his concern in the team’s last loss as veteran guard Gabe Norwood – not exactly known for his offense – emerged as Rain or Shine’s best shooter from three-point range where he went 2-of-3. The rest of the Elasto Painters’ gunners were nowhere to be found as Rain or Shine went 7-of-32 from distance. For a team that thrives beyond the arc, the Elasto Painters need to have those 3s start falling if they are to remain alive in the series.
How long RHJ can keep the same pace
Hollis-Jefferson has been playing an average of 46 minutes per game in the series and appeared always gassed out at the end of the contest. The reigning Best Import had some ankle issue during the group stage and is doing just about everything to help the Tropang Giga reach the finals anew and eventually, retain their title. But will he maintain the same level all the way?
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