TNT and Barangay Ginebra look to arrange a finals rematch in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup as they vie for a semifinal victory in Game 6 against separate foes on Sunday in Antipolo City.
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RAIN OR SHINE VS. BARANGAY GINEBRA
Ginebra leads series, 3-2
When: Sunday, March 31. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Ginebra goes for clincher
Ginebra tries to advance to the finals on the first try in Sunday’s Game 6. The Gin Kings came away with a 111-104 win over the Elasto Painters to move one win away from a return to the championships.
Gins regain shooting
After making just five threes in Game 4, the Gin Kings got back to their shooting ways with 16 three-point makes in Game 5. RJ Abarrientos was responsible for most of the threes with four conversions on his way to a 31-point night. In order for the Elasto Painters to have a chance, they must try to silence Ginebra's three-point shooters.
More touches for RJ
Ginebra got RJ Abarrientos a lot of touches last Friday, unlike in Game 4 where he was limited to eight points while taking just eight shots. Joshua David, Andrei Caracut, and Adrian Nocum have been taking turns defending Abarrientos, so look for them to double up on their effort with their conference on the line.
Nocum leads comeback
A silver lining that can be used as a springboard for Game 6 was Adrian Nocum sparked a third-quarter rally by Rain or Shine when he had 15 points in that period to ger ROS within one point. But the Gin Kings pulled away late in the third capped by a four-point buzzer beater by RJ Abarrientos. Nocum then went scoreless in the final quarter.
JJ has to make noise
Jaylen Johnson had 22 points and 14 rebounds in Game 5, but it can be argued that it was a quiet performnace for the Rain or Shine import, especially offensively. Johnson had 13 points in the first half, and was held scoreless in the third quarter at a time when Rain or Shine was making a comeback. It might need an explosion, similar to his 40-point night in Game 1, from Johnson if Rain or Shine wants to extend the series.
TNT VS. MERALCO
TNT leads series, 3-2
When: Sunday, March 31. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Return trip to finals eyed
TNT eyes a comeback in the finals in Game 6 after the Tropang 5G defeated the Bolts, 103-95 last Friday to gain a 3-2 lead in the semifinals.
McCullough explodes in the fourth
Chris McCullough fulfilled his promise that “it will be scary” when he gets his old form back. He had 42 points including 17 in the fourth quarter to send TNT to the win. Another repeat performance could mean a return for McCullough in the finals after leading San Miguel to the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup crown.
Gardner foul trouble
Patrick Gardner had 25 points and 12 rebounds for Meralco in Game 5, but the import got into foul trouble again after he fouling out in Game 4. Gardner was not in the game during the final minutes when Chris McCullough went off. Gardner needs to stay away from foul trouble in Game 6.
Cansino being tested on defense
TNT attacked CJ Cansino in the first quarter in a bid to take him out of the game early. It paid off for TNT as Cansino, Meralco’s top local scorer, played for only 16 minutes and scored four points. The Bolts are definitely hoping that Cansino can find a way to stay on the court longer by defending better in order to extend their conference.
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