NLEX and TNT go for a sweep in their respective PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup quarterfinals series on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Road Warriors and the Tropang 5G grabbed Game 2 in contrasting fashion, with the former beating Phoenix Super LPG, 124-117, and the latter routing Magnolia, 91-73.
Here is a preview of Game 3, as well as keys for the Fuel Masters and Hotshots to stay alive.
NLEX VS. PHOENIX SUPER LPG
When: Saturday, October 31. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
NLEX’s lethal backcourt
Robert Bolick and Schonny Winston put together power performances in Game 2 in scoring 31 points apiece.
READ: New Alapag-Castro? NLEX's Bolick-Winston making a case
The two were also excellent on defense by combining for five steals. Expect them to stay active in NLEX's bid to sweep the quarters.
Need to rebound
Even with NLEX controlling the series, the two games saw the Road Warriors getting outrebounded. The Road Warriors logged an average of 38.5, while Phoenix is taking 43.5 over the first two games. It would be a plus for NLEX for Game 3 if it finally gets to control the boards.
Take care of the ball
Phoenix must lessen its errors after committing six out of its 16 turnovers in the fourth quarter of Game 2.
For the second straight game, NLEX had 12 steals, improving its record to 6-0 when in double-digits in that statistical category.
MAGNOLIA VS. TNT
When: Saturday, October 31. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Arrest shooting woes
This series hasn’t been close all because of TNT’s stifling defense which has limited Magnolia to only 36-percent shooting, way lower than the 48-percent the Hotshots logged during the eliminations. Magnolia must do better now or it will have a long vacation.
How good is TNT’s defense
TNT is averaging 12.5 steals and blocks in the two quarterfinal games, compared to just 6.0 for Magnolia.
READ: Magnolia offense against TNT leaves a lot to be desired
The Tropang 5G's stocks (steals plus blocks) numbers are actually slightly up from the elims, where they had 12.1 per game.
Mags needs more from Jerom
Jerom Lastimosa’s numbers are down in the quarters, particularly in shooting the ball. A 52-percent shooter in the elims, he has only made 27-percent of shots in the playoffs.
He is also 20-percent from threes, down from 35-percent in the elims. His assists are also down from 3.9 to 2.0.
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