TNT and Magnolia square off in an important game that could decide their fate in the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup. Meanwhile, the season comes to a close for Phoenix and Blackwater and both are eager to capture a win.
Here’s why offense will be the key for the two games, especially for the Tropang 5G and Hotshots after their performances in previous outings.
PHOENIX VS. BLACKWATER
When: Friday, June 13. 5 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Out to finish season with back-to-back wins
Phoenix and Blackwater are closing their season in this match-up. The Fuel Masters hold a 3-7 mark, while the Bossing own a 2-8 record, tied with NorthPort in the standings.
Both teams are coming off wins, as Phoenix beat NorthPort, 118-107, last June 4, while Blackwater defeated Terrafirma, 97-82, last June 8.
Perkins, Ballungay look to assert themselves
Jason Perkins and Kai Ballungay are fresh off dominating performances for Phoenix. Perkins had 26 points and eight rebounds, while Ballungay had a near double-double of 17 points and nine rebounds.
Blackwater doesn’t exactly have a deep rotation in the frontcourt, so look for the Fuel Masters to take advantage.
Barefield’s offense needed
Sedrick Barefield didn’t shoot the ball well during Blackwater’s game against Terrafirma where he made 4-of-12 from the field and finished with 12 points. Although he dished out eight assists, Barefield’s offense will be very much needed for the Bossing to win their second straight contest.
TNT VS. MAGNOLIA
When: Friday, June 13. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
TNT, Magnolia face off with twice-to-beat implications
TNT and Magnolia square off in a crucial contest, as they play their final game of the elimination round. The Tropang 5G are looking to bag a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals to strengthen their bid for a Grand Slam, although their fate is also no longer in their hands. The Hotshots have the easier path, needing only to win this match-up to claim the incentive.
In search for bounce back game
TNT and Magnolia are looking to get back to their winning ways after disappointing losses that put their playoff incentive pushes in peril.
The Tropang 5G were defeated by Barangay Ginebra in lopsided fashion, 97-78, last Sunday, ending their six-game winning streak. The loss put TNT on the bubble and outside the top four.
After six straight wins to start the tournament, the Hotshots are struggling with back-to-back defeats, including a 107-99 defeat to NLEX last June 6. Magnolia could fall further with another defeat.
Break out of the shooting slump
TNT’s loss to Ginebra saw the Tropang 5G shooting 38 percent from the field, its worst this conference. Everything went wrong for TNT in terms of shooting with Calvin Oftana hitting just 5-of-13 and RR Pogoy going 3-of-10, including 0-of-3 from threes.
Although Magnolia made 49-percent from the field, the Hotshots shot a horrendous 2-of-15 from three-point range. Ironically, the Hotshots were better from the longer rainbow country, as they came up with 5-of-9 from fours.
Mark Barroca and William Navarro were among the players that fired blanks for Magnolia, as they combined for 2-of-14 from the field.
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