BARANGAY Ginebra makes its Ynares Center-Montalban debut, while TNT looks to get another outstanding performance from Bol Bol when the two teams face separate foes in the continuation of the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup.
Here is a preview.
TITAN ULTRA VS. TNT
When: Saturday, April 18. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Montalban
Extend winning streak
TNT eyes to stretch its winning run to three against Titan Ultra. The Tropang 5G defeated Blackwater, 99-94, to raise their win-loss record to 4-2. Another win will boost TNT's twice-to-beat bid, as it tries to tie Meralco at third at the end of the day.
Catch up with leaders
Titan Ultra looks to keep itself in the conversation for the playoff race in its battle against TNT. The Giant Risers (2-4) lost to Converge, 103-82, last Wednesday.
If they end up winning against the Tropang 5G, Titan Ultra will join Terrafirma, San Miguel, and Magnolia at joint seventh in the standings.
Bol continues rampage
Bol remains an unstoppable force at both ends for TNT. Against Blackwater, Bol went off for 48 points, 11 rebounds, and seven blocks in another win for the Tropang 5G.
Munzon a force on defense
Joshua Munzon proved he remains one of the top defenders in the league when he had six steals against Converge in their previous game.
Munzon's defense will be needed as Titan Ultra tries to contain Bol.
Local support
While Bol has been magnificent, production of TNT locals on the offensive end has been inconsistent. Jayson Castro was the lone local double-digit scorer for the Tropang 5G against Blackwater when he had 10 points. After going for 20 against Terrafirma, Calvin Oftana was limited to six points, as he dealt with foul trouble.
BARANGAY GINEBRA VS. TERRAFIRMA
When: Saturday, April 18. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Montalban
Extend winning streak, too
Ginebra is fresh off a 109-96 win over Phoenix Super LPG last Sunday in which the Gin Kings won after outscoring the Fuel Masters, 61-40, in the second half. A win by Ginebra will extend its winning streak to four, allowing it to also join Meralco in a share of third.
Japeth ramping up activities
Japeth Aguilar played his first game since March 27 against Phoenix Super LPG.
Coming off an injury, Aguilar saw action for 12 minutes and had two points and five rebounds, a good sign for the Gin Kings, as they look to get him ready for the stretch run.
Terrafirma on a losing streak
After its hot start, Terrafirma has now lost four straight games after its 124-117 defeat to Rain or Shine where it gave up a league-record 23 threes plus fours. Now owning a 3-4 record, the Dyip badly need a win to revive their playoff hopes.
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