SAN Miguel starts its PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup campaign as Phoenix Super LPG guns for a share of the early lead with Terrafirma in Saturday's doubleheader.
Here's why a blowout should not be counted out in the first game and why bench play is going to be important in the second game.
TITAN ULTRA VS. SAN MIGUEL
When: Saturday, March 21. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Out to do better
Fresh from its conquest of the Philippine Cup, San Miguel opens the new conference on Saturday against Titan Ultra. The Beermen had a forgettable Commissioner's Cup campaign last season where they surprisingly missed the playoffs with a 5-7 win-loss record. SMB is out to bounce back with a stacked line-up that looks capable of a grand slam run this season.
SMB import
Last season's campaign was hounded by import woes, so much so that SMB went through three import changes. Given their predicament last season, all eyes are going to be on Marcus Lee if he is going to be a permanent fixture for the Beermen or not. Lee recently played in Australia and will be counted upon when it comes to rebounding and defense to complement the star-studded roster led by June Mar Fajardo and Cjay Perez.
Last encounter
Titan Ultra's previous match against San Miguel is something that it would rather forget. The Giant Risers were simply no match for the mighty Beermen and were outclassed, 158-117, on November 12. Titan Ultra enters the game against San Miguel with a 0-2 record, losing by an average margin of 31.5 points, not a good sign ahead of the clash against the Beermen.
PHOENIX SUPER LPG VS. MERALCO
When: Saturday, March 21. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Can Phoenix stay undefeated?
Phoenix Super LPG and Meralco collide in a battle of undefeated teams. The Fuelmasters hold a 2-0 record following their 109-76 win over Titan Ultra last Sunday, and are aiming for a share of the lead with Terrafirma. The Bolts are going for their second straight win at the start of the new conference after beating Converge, 109-88.
Imports impressive so far
James Dickey and Marvin Jones have been churning stellar numbers for their team so far. Dickey is averaging 18.5 points and 22.5 rebounds through his first two games, both of which Phoenix Super LPG won. A replacement for Ismael Romero, Jones proved to be a gem for the Bolts with 29 points and eight rebounds during his debut.
Bench producing
One of the reasons for Phoenix's hot start is their bench play. The Fuelmasters are averaging 50 bench points with Kenneth Tuffin and Evan Nelle among the super subs.
Cansino sizzles
CJ Cansino proved once again that he has become one of the scoring options of the Bolts when he erupted for 23 points in the win against Converge. Cansino shot 8-of-9 from the field, scoring two fours and three threes. Phoenix Super LPG needs to put the clamps on Cansino in order to have a shot at beating Meralco.
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