AN early match-up between constant finalists during the PBA 49th Season is up, with TNT squaring off with Barangay Ginebra.
After the two teams figured in the Govenors' and Commissioner's Cup championship series, the Tropang 5G and Gin Kings now do battle in the 50th Season Philippine Cup elimination round.
The first game of the Wednesday double-header at Smart-Araneta Coliseum sees Blackwater looking to stay perfect against Meralco.
We look back at the previous games of each of the teams, as well as the keys to the match-ups in this preview.
MERALCO VS. BLACKWATER
When: Wednesday, October 15. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Struggling Bolts out to arrest skid
Meralco is reeling to begin the 50th Season after back-to-back losses against Titan Ultra, 90-86, then Rain or Shine, 96-95, in overtime. The Bolts need to avoid another loss, especially with the team about to enter a three-game, five-day stretch, as they begin their EASL stint.
Slow starts for Newsome, Maliksi
Chris Newsome and Allein Maliksi will look to get out of their shooting funk early in the season. Newsome shot just 6-of-19 in the first two games, with Maliksi going even worse at 1-of-15 during the same stretch.
Better shooting from the two will be key for Meralco in the match-up versus Blackwater.
Blackwater guns for 2-0 start
Blackwater enters the game against Meralco with a victory over Terrafirma, 107-87, last Friday. The Bossing are chasing their first 2-0 start since the 48th Season Philippine Cup. The Bossing got contributions from Christian David, RK Ilagan, and Dalph Panopio in the victory, and they hope to get the same come the Bolts match.
TNT VS. BARANGAY GINEBRA
When: Wednesday, October 15. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Rivalry renewed
TNT and Ginebra square off for the first time since their 49th Season encounters that included the championship series in the Governors’ and Commissioner’s Cups, the both of which having the Tropang 5G coming out on top.
TNT hold a 9-6 win-loss record against the Gin Kings, but was defeated in the two teams' most recent battle last June 8, 97-78.
Contrasting results to open season
TNT opened Season 50 on a high note, defeating Phoenix, 93-78, last October 10, while Ginebra was on the losing end after its 80-73 setback at the hands of rival Magnolia last October 5.
Scottie needs to bounce back
Scottie Thompson stumbled in his first game of the season when he was held scoreless, missing all of his five shots. According to PBA statistics chief Fidel Mangonon, the last time Thompson finished without a point was on July 21, 2018 in Game 3 of the Commissioner’s Cup semifinals against Rain or Shine.
Promising start for new acquisitions
Kevin Ferrer and Jio Jalalon were signed by TNT during the offseason and they are off to a nice start with their new teams.
Ferrer had 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting from threes, and Jalalon chipped in with the other statistical departments, hauling seven rebounds and two assists. They are going to be tested in the game against Ginebra.
Will BGR, Heading, Aurin return vs. Ginebra?
TNT was actually shorthanded against Phoenix when Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser (strain), Jordan Heading (flu), and Kim Aurin (glutes) didn’t play due to varying reasons. But don’t count out the three Tropang 5G in this key match-up against Ginebra.
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