TNT and Ginebra, finalists from the last two conferences, square off on Sunday in the PBA Philippine Cup, a game that promises to carry plenty of significance, as each try to get a step nearer to a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
Though this is an important game for both, the venue does not seem to befit an encounter of this magnitude, as it will be held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium instead of the Smart-Araneta Coliseum where most of their games during the past two finals took place.
Meanwhile, the first game will feature teams that are already out of the running for quarterfinals berths. But this is also important, at least for the teams involved. The winner between Terrafirma and Blackwater escapes from the cellar.
Here is a preview of the two games.
BLACKWATER VS. TERRAFIRMA
When: Sunday, June 8. 5 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Struggling teams meet
Blackwater and Terrafirma clash in the first game of the double-header with only one between them finally ending its losing streak.
At 1-8, the Bossing are on a six-game losing streak following their 108-82 defeat to TNT just last Friday. The Dyip, however, take the cake in this category: they are on a nine-game skid, losing to Rain or Shine, 94-85, last Wednesday.
Battle for pride
While the Ginebra-TNT tussle serves as the main game, don’t sleep on the Blackwater-Terrafirma battle. With pride on the line, both teams, which joined the league at the same time in 2014, are expected to do everything it can to pick up the victory.
Barefield on a slump
Sedrick Barefield will definitely go all-out to break out of a funk.
In the last two games, Barefield is averaging 9.0 points and isshooting just 26 percent from the field. His offense will be needed in order for Blackwater to overcome Terrafirma.
Pringle on a tear
Stanley Pringle is enjoying his best stretch as a member of Terrafirma, and the Dyip hope that he can do it again against Blackwater. The 100th member of the 5,000-point club is averaging 19.3 points over the past three games, a reason why the Dyip’s losing margin in the last pair of matches is down to 10.5 after being defeated by an average of 31 in their first seven defeats.
BARANGAY GINEBRA VS. TNT
When: Sunday, June 8. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Finals rematch
TNT meets Ginebra for the first time since the then-Tropang Giga defeated the Gin Kings in overtime in Game 7 of the Commissioner’s Cup finals last March 28, 87-83.
Finals atmosphere expected
Both teams are expected to go all-out, as though this is an elimination round match, they fought for the title over the last two conferences. But besides Ginebra seeking a measure of revenge, there is also an important element in play, as the winner will gain headway for the fourth and final twice-to-beat incentive.
TNT and Ginebra are currently tied at fourth place with a 6-3 win-loss card.
Can TNT continue to roll in the final stretch?
The Tropang 5G, after losing their first three games, continued their winning streak that now stands at six after their 108-82 win over Blackwater. TNT actually begins the final stretch of games where it faces playoff contenders, capping it off with a match-up against Magnolia on Wednesday.
Only one day of preparation for Ginebra
TNT comes to the game with only a day of preparation. Knowing the situation, the Tropang 5G strategically stretched their rotation, limiting the minutes of Calvin Oftana and RR Pogoy to get them ready for the Ginebra game.
Expect more from Scottie
Ginebra's Scottie Thompson didn’t have his usual numbers, scoring-wise, against Magnolia, as he only had five points while shooting 2-of-4 from the field. He did contribute in other departments, grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing out five assists.
Sunday’s game could see a more aggressive Thompson offensively, as they take on Grand Slam-seeking TNT.
BGR could be key for TNT
Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser will be playing his first game for TNT against Ginebra since his team won championships without him due to an ACL injury. BGR could play a pivotal role in this game, an added body to match up with the Ginebra bigs of Japeth Aguilar and Troy Rosario in the battle to control the rebounds.
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