A SLAM-BANG doubleheader highlighted by Barangay Ginebra’s debut in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup is slated on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Here’s a rundown of the games:
MAGNOLIA VS. TNT
When: Wednesday, December 11. 5 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Struggling teams try to arrest slide
Magnolia and TNT enter the ballgame on two-game losing skids. The Hotshots dropped a 107-103 decision to NorthPort last Wednesday, while the Tropang Giga also fell to the Batang Pier, 100-95, last Sunday. While Magnolia already has a win to show, TNT has yet to crack a victory since its Governors’ Cup title conquest early last month.
Ratliffe’s struggles
Magnolia import Ricardo Ratliffe had a rough shooting night in their loss to NorthPort where he went 4-for-12 from the field and finished with 10 points. Although he grabbed 13 rebounds, Ratliffe’s offense had a significant drop after averaging 27.5 points in the first two games of the conference.
TNT still groping for form
The Tropang Giga haven’t found their groove as a team as shown in the numbers. TNT has committed a total of 36 turnovers over the past two games, including 21 in the NorthPort game. They have also shot just 39 percent as a team.
NLEX VS. BARANGAY GINEBRA
When: Wednesday, December 11. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Troy Rosario debuts in a Ginebra uniform
After all the fanfare, Troy Rosario is finally slated to play for Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup after the Gin Kings signed him as an unrestricted free agent. Prior to the debut, Ginebra coach Tim Cone is already raving about what Rosario can bring to the table, especially depth with the team still dealing with injuries.
“He’s going to impact us in so many ways, from defense to rebounding to assisting, to scoring and stretching the floor,” said Cone.
Busy stretch for Gin Kings
Barangay Ginebra finally plays on Wednesday, but will have a stretch of games with little rest. The Gin Kings go up against Phoenix on Friday, Eastern on Sunday, and Terrafirma next Wednesday. Ginebra is also scheduled to face Converge on December 21, before playing Magnolia on Christmas Day.
NLEX looks to extend winning streak
The Road Warriors are on a three-game winning run after a rousing 104-99 victory over San Miguel last Sunday in a game where they overcame a 19-point deficit to improve to 3-1. NLEX will look to catch another big fish in Ginebra, a perfect opportunity for the Road Warriors since their opponent hasn’t played a single game and could come out flat in the contest.
Justin Brownlee reboot
Wednesday will see Justin Brownlee opening up a new campaign for Barangay Ginebra in the Commissioner’s Cup, the conference it last won in 2018. Brownlee had a lengthy break after a grueling schedule over the past few months where he played for Pelita Jaya in Indonesia, Barangay Ginebra in the PBA, and with Gilas Pilipinas. Is the respite enough for Brownlee to come back fully charged for the new battle? We will soon find out.
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