AN intense rematch is expected to play out on Thursday night as San Miguel and Rain or Shine meet again in the group stage of the PBA Governors’ Cup. Here’s a preview of the must-watch playdate.
TNT vs. Terrafirma
When: Thursday, September 19, 5 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
Out to finish elims with momentum
TNT has already sealed the No. 1 seed out of Group A in the quarterfinals after Meralco lost to Converge, 105-97, last Wednesday. The Tropang Giga will try to win their final two games, including Thursday’s contest against Terrafirma, in order to gain momentum ahead of their quarterfinal tiff against the fourth-seed in Group B.
Can Terrafirma finally get the elusive win?
The past two games have seen Terrafirma come close to capturing its first win with one-point defeats against Magnolia and Converge, with the defeat to the FiberXers coming courtesy of a game-winning four-point shot by Scotty Hopson. The Dyip, however, are certain to still go all-out against TNT and Meralco for that elusive win.
Players to watch
Andreas Cahilig had an excellent outing against Converge where he had 15 points and 10 rebounds. With Christian Standhardinger out, Cahilig’s presence in the paint is key for Terrafirma.
Calvin Oftana didn’t have his usual shooting prowess in their 84-82 win over Magnolia when he shot 3-of-11 from the field to finish with 10 points. With the status of Rey Nambatac and Kim Aurin still undetermined, Oftana might have to continue to shoot at a high rate. And for TNT to put upset-seeking Terrafirma away immediately, his shots should drop early and often.
San Miguel vs. Rain or Shine
When: Thursday, September 19, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
A must-watch rematch
San Miguel and Rain or Shine go at it again on Thursday in a can't-miss clash. The Beermen won 113-112 last September 5 in a game that is remembered for the game-winning buzzer-beater by June Mar Fajardo after Felix Lemetti gave the Elasto Painters the lead with four free throws. It is a pivotal match for the two teams on Thursday as they are tied at first in Group B with a 6-2 win-loss slate.
The winner will be close to securing the No. 1 spot, while the loser will tie Barangay Ginebra at second, making the the No. 2 seed in the quarterfinals still very much in play.
Coach Yeng on rematch
Rain or Shine will be tussling with San Miguel, a team fresh off a 49-point demolition of Ginebra last Sunday, prompting head coach Yeng Guiao to utter these words days before the game:
“Tinambakan nila ‘yung Ginebra ng halos singkwenta eh… Baka kami, otsenta siguro,” he joked.
Who will dictate the pace?
Rain or Shine has thrived in its running game, proof of which is it leads the league in fastbreak points with 23.71. San Miguel is also maximizing its strength of having a 'Kraken' for its deliberate game, as it leads the league in points in the paint with 58.5 and second chance points with 16.5.
SMB starters or RoS bench mob?
San Miguel is No. 1 in starters’ points with 86.75, but 10th in bench points with 32.13. Conversely, Rain or Shine is No. 1 in bench points with 57.43, and last in the league in starters points with 51. Who will produce for their respective teams? We will know in this explosive return game!
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